Senior Reactor System Design Engineer in Manchester

Rolls‑Royce SMR is pioneering a new generation of clean, affordable nuclear energy through its Small Modular Reactor technology. As the UK’s preferred SMR vendor, Rolls‑Royce SMR is driving innovation to support global net‑zero goals, energy security, and industrial decarbonisation. Joining the team means working at the forefront of advanced engineering, shaping sustainable energy solutions with real‑world impact.

The Team

Our department is at the heart of innovation designing and developing the mechanical, fluid, and safety systems that make up the Reactor Island. From reactor core and coolant systems to passive safety, hazard protection, HVAC, and fuel handling, you’ll play a vital role in creating solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental responsibility.

You Will Contribute To:

• Transforming concepts into reality through detailed system design and robust safety justifications.
• Driving performance excellence with evidence‑based assessments and through‑life operating principles.
• Collaborating across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver world‑class engineering.

Key Role Criteria

To succeed in this role, you'll bring a solid understanding of the nuclear industry, including the safety principles that guide our work such as E3S, ALARP and BAT. Experience with nuclear plant operations—particularly Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design—will help you confidently navigate the technical landscape. You’ll be comfortable applying systems engineering approaches, from functional modelling and optioneering to developing and managing requirements within frameworks like REDV, while ensuring functional interfaces are well understood and effectively managed.

Your background will include working with process or mechanical systems, ideally spanning areas such as reactor cores, steam raising plant, inventory management, HVAC, waste processing, fuel handling, and chemical or auxiliary systems involving gases or water. You’ll have the capability to develop system designs, including equipment sizing and specification, and to produce clear design documentation such as P&IDs and technical reports. We’re also looking for someone who can provide confident technical leadership—someone who enjoys guiding engineering teams, shaping work packages, and supporting the delivery of key milestones. If you have experience in project definition, risk management, technical supervision and ensuring high‑quality outputs, you’ll thrive in this environment.

The Impact

The aim of this role is to design and develop critical reactor systems that form the backbone of Rolls‑Royce SMR technology, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Your impact on the business will be profound, driving technological innovation, guaranteeing adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards, and building the engineering capability needed to deliver clean, affordable energy to the world.

What’s In It For You

We anticipate a salary of £48,000-£62,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. We also offer excellent benefits including:

• Bonus – Performance related bonus up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200, enabling you to create a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover health care
• Life Assurance – 6x pensionable pay
• £250 – One‑off payment for new starters for home office purchases

You’ll join a forward‑thinking organisation that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.

Location

We offer a flexible hybrid working model, with offices located in Manchester, Derby, and Warrington. The frequency of office attendance will be discussed and agreed during the interview process.

Selection Process

The process includes an introductory call with our Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by two interview stages. Due to nuclear industry regulations, additional screening will apply (BPSS, DBS, financial probity).

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