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- Tasks: Design and develop critical reactor systems for clean nuclear energy.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative nuclear technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in nuclear safety, systems engineering, and mechanical design.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 55000 £ per year.
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.
We are looking for Senior Reactor System Design Engineers. As we advance through detailed design and licensing, we’re expanding our Reactor Plant and Systems team with talented Reactor System Design Engineers at all levels of experience. This is your chance to work on cutting-edge technology that will power a sustainable future.
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.
- Leading by providing technical direction, mentoring peers, and shaping the next generation of nuclear innovation.
We welcome applicants from other highly regulated industries. If you’re passionate about engineering that makes a difference, and want to be part of a team redefining energy for the future, this is your moment to join us.
Key Role Criteria:
- Nuclear Industry Knowledge: Understanding of nuclear safety principles (E3S, ALARP, BAT). Familiarity with nuclear plant operations and Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design.
- Systems Engineering Expertise: Experience with systems engineering tools (functional modelling, optioneering). Skilled in requirements development and management (REDV framework). Ability to manage functional interfaces.
- Process/Mechanical Systems Design: Knowledge of reactor core, steam raising plant, inventory management, HVAC, waste processing, and fuel handling systems. Chemical processing and auxiliary systems (including gases, water).
- System Design Development: Proficiency in fluid systems design (equipment sizing, specification). Ability to develop design requirements, operating principles, and technical documentation (P&IDs, design reports).
- Technical Leadership: Experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex technical work packages. Skills in project definition, milestone delivery, risk management, technical supervision, and approval of outputs.
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 of up to 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance - £2200, 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
Senior Reactor System Design Engineer employer: Rolls - Royce SMR
Contact Detail:
Rolls - Royce SMR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Reactor System Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your nuclear safety principles and systems engineering tools. We want to see you shine, so practice explaining your past projects and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for sustainable energy! During interviews, share your thoughts on how advanced engineering can tackle global challenges. It’s all about making that real-world impact we’re after.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Reactor System Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for nuclear energy and engineering shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of driving innovation for a sustainable future.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in nuclear safety principles and systems engineering. We love seeing how your background fits into the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls - Royce SMR
✨Know Your Nuclear Stuff
Make sure you brush up on nuclear safety principles and the specifics of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the industry, but that you’re genuinely passionate about it.
✨Show Off Your Systems Engineering Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience with systems engineering tools and how you've managed functional interfaces in past projects. Bring examples of how you’ve developed requirements and tackled complex technical challenges to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Highlight Your Design Development Experience
Discuss your proficiency in fluid systems design and any relevant documentation you’ve created, like P&IDs or design reports. This is your chance to showcase how your design requirements have contributed to successful projects in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
Since this role involves leading teams, be ready to share experiences where you’ve provided technical direction or mentored peers. Highlight your ability to collaborate across disciplines to solve problems, as teamwork is key in this innovative environment.
