At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop cutting-edge simulation capabilities for the SMR programme.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a pioneer in revolutionising the energy industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a flexible working environment.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a role that shapes the future of energy technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; leadership experience in technical teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.
The Power Station Performance Simulation team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Engineering Simulator capability that underpins critical aspects of the SMR programme. The simulator supports plant performance analysis, control room development, Human Factors assessments, control and instrumentation verification and validation, and future operational training and readiness activities.
As Manager – Simulation Development, you will lead the team responsible for delivering, governing and continuously improving the Engineering Simulator capability across the SMR programme. You will provide leadership for simulator capability development, governance and stakeholder engagement across both analytical simulation and real‑time simulator applications. Technical leadership for individual simulator workstreams will be delegated within the team, allowing you to focus on team effectiveness, delivery governance, capability development, stakeholder alignment, supplier management and strategic direction. You will be accountable for ensuring that simulator capabilities continue to support a broad range of engineering, operational and programme needs while maintaining robust governance, quality standards and delivery performance.
We’ll Need You To:
- Lead and develop the Simulation Development team, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing culture
- Own the Engineering Simulator development portfolio across both analysis and real‑time simulation capabilities
- Ensure simulator development activities are effectively prioritised, planned and governed
- Oversee delivery of the Engineering Simulator Analysis Build supporting power station performance analysis
- Oversee delivery of Real‑Time Simulator capabilities supporting control room simulation, C&I verification and validation and wider operational readiness activities
- Establish and maintain robust governance, configuration management, quality and release management processes
- Develop resource plans, capability roadmaps and delivery forecasts
- Manage competing stakeholder requirements and programme priorities
- Support effective decision making through transparent reporting of milestones, risks, dependencies and constraints
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and delivery partners
- Collaborate with teams across Performance Analysis, Human Factors, Systems Engineering, C&I, Verification & Validation and programme delivery functions
- Establish strategic relationships with relevant organisations to benchmark best practice and identify opportunities for capability improvement
- Drive continuous improvement across simulator capability, tools, processes and ways of working
We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:
People Leadership & Capability Development:
- Experience leading, developing and motivating technical engineering, modelling, simulation or software‑enabled delivery teams
- Experience creating clarity around roles, responsibilities and delivery ownership
- Experience with recruitment, performance management, mentoring and succession planning
- Ability to build a culture that promotes collaboration, accountability, quality and continuous improvement
Delivery Management:
- Experience managing complex technical portfolios with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Ability to develop and manage delivery plans, resource forecasts, dependency maps and risk registers
- Experience governing iterative, sprint‑based or release‑based technical development activities
- Ability to balance quality, cost, schedule and scope while maintaining delivery commitments
Simulation & Digital Engineering:
- Understanding of integrated plant simulation, modelling and simulator development environments
- Awareness of real‑time simulation, engineering analysis models and software‑enabled engineering workflows
- Familiarity with model integration, software release processes, verification and validation principles, and configuration management
- Experience within nuclear, safety‑critical or highly regulated engineering environments is advantageous
Stakeholder & Supplier Management:
- Experience managing technical interfaces across engineering disciplines, suppliers and customers
- Ability to translate stakeholder needs into clear simulator development priorities and delivery plans
- Strong communication skills, capable of explaining simulator capability, maturity, risks and constraints to technical and senior stakeholders
- Experience managing supplier relationships and specialist technical support arrangements
Governance & Assurance:
- Understanding of governance requirements for engineering models, technical data and simulator capabilities
- Experience managing technical reviews, release gates, configuration control and quality assurance processes
- Understanding of verification, validation and uncertainty management approaches
- Ability to manage risk effectively and make structured decisions within complex delivery environments
Qualifications:
- Degree‑qualified in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Control Systems, Modelling & Simulation or a related discipline
- Demonstrable experience leading technical engineering, simulation, modelling, controls, software or digital delivery teams
- Chartered Engineer status, Incorporated Engineer status, or evidence of working towards professional registration is desirable
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary And Package: The salary band for this role will be between £60,000 – £78,750 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the leadership responsibility of the role.
Benefits Include:
- Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
- Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
- Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
- Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters
Selection Process: The closing date for this role is 6th September 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.
Why Join Us?
- A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector‑jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process:
- Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
Manager - Simulation Development employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
As a Senior Layout and Assemblies Engineer at Rolls-Royce SMR, you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances. Our hybrid working model supports work-life balance, while our commitment to inclusivity ensures a welcoming environment for all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - Simulation Development
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Manager - Simulation Development role you’re after at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Rolls-Royce SMR a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Manager - Simulation Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Manager - Simulation Development, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Rolls-Royce SMR a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rolls-Royce SMR specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Rolls-Royce SMR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Rolls-Royce SMR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
