Lead Engineer – MKoP Structures in Manchester

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: THURSDAY 2ND JULY, 2026

Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following closest locations as primary: Derby, Warrington, or Manchester

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a global leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.

The Modularisation team is central to delivering one of the defining features of our SMR design. Focused on standardisation, repeatability and build certainty, the team develops the modular “kit of parts” approach that underpins efficient manufacturing, installation and deployment across global sites.

In this context, we are looking for a Lead Engineer – MKoP Structures, reporting to the MKoP Engineering Manager. As a senior technical leader, you will take ownership of the structural design and performance of the SMR Modularisation System, including frames, barriers, drainage and flooring.

This is a high-impact role where you will drive the development of a standardised modular structural system, leading optioneering and analysis to define optimal design, manufacturing and construction solutions. You will play a critical role in progressing designs through our Definition Review (DR) governance process, while shaping solutions that enable safe, repeatable and cost-effective deployment. Alongside this, you will mentor engineers, provide technical assurance and act as an intelligent customer across internal teams and supply chain partners.

What you’ll be delivering:

• Leading structural design and analysis of modular frames and associated kit-of-parts, ensuring performance, safety and compliance
• Driving optioneering, trade-off studies and robust design decisions to optimise modular and structural solutions
• Managing delivery of work packages through Definition Review gates, ensuring alignment to programme cost, quality and schedule
• Coordinating interfaces across CSA, components and supply chain partners to deliver integrated solutions
• Providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers and defining best practice across structural design and modularisation
• Acting as an intelligent customer, assuring and accepting structural outputs from internal and external contributors

What you’ll bring:

This is a pivotal role at the forefront of modular innovation—you’ll bring deep technical expertise, strong engineering judgement and the ability to lead, influence and drive delivery across a complex, highly regulated environment.

Skills & experience:

• Chartered Engineer (IStructE or ICE), with a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Experience delivering complex structural design solutions, including steelwork and modular systems, within regulated or safety-critical industries
• Strong capability in structural analysis tools (e.g. Robot, Abaqus, Lusas) and in applying codes, standards and verification processes
• Experience applying systems engineering and robust design methodologies, including DfX and optioneering
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage stakeholders and deliver integrated solutions across multidisciplinary programmes

This role can be based at any Rolls-Royce SMR location, with hybrid working supported. Regular collaboration is expected, with some travel required to engage with teams and partners.

What’s in it for you:

We offer a competitive salary and a strong benefits package including bonus (up to 12.5%), pension, 28 days’ leave plus public holidays, and a benefits allowance. There is significant opportunity to shape both the role and the wider modularisation strategy as the programme scales.

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation working on a nationally significant programme, with real scope for leadership, innovation and career progression.

Inclusion & accessibility:

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices and will make reasonable adjustments where needed.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back—but there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you. We also welcome applicants with transferable experience from adjacent industries such as oil & gas or large-scale infrastructure.

Selection process:

The process will involve an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition, followed by interviews with the hiring team. Successful candidates will be required to complete BPSS clearance and pre-employment checks, including DBS and financial probity screening.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• 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:

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• 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