At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative heat exchanger systems for a cutting-edge energy project.
- Company: Join a leading firm in clean energy solutions with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the green energy sector while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in heat exchanger design preferred.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52500 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.
Our Mission
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 world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.
The Team
The Heat Exchangers team sits within the Plant Equipment function, part of the wider Components & Mechanical Equipment organisation. The team is responsible for delivering the design, development, and technical maturity of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station. We will be working across multiple UK locations and with multidisciplinary stakeholders including systems, manufacturing, supply chain, and analysis teams to deliver complex engineering solutions. The team is currently focused on supporting critical programme milestones including Generic Design Assessment (GDA), Reference Design development, and future Design Acceptance Reviews.
The Role
We are looking for a Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers to report to the Manager – Heat Exchangers. You will play a key role in the design and development of multiple heat exchanger systems across the SMR plant, contributing to both generic design development and site‑specific adaptations. You will support the maturity, integration, and delivery of heat exchanger designs, working within a structured governance and quality framework to meet challenging programme, technical, and regulatory requirements.
What We’ll Need You To Do
- Deliver the design and development of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station
- Contribute to requirements capture, equipment selection, and thermal/mechanical sizing
- Support lifecycle activities including manufacture, verification, and safety case inputs
- Work to established governance, standards, and quality processes
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation
- Support programme delivery, including key milestones such as Reference Design
- Contribute to cost and value engineering activities
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders
- Resolve technical challenges and balance competing requirements
- Demonstrate flexibility and contribute across the engineering lifecycle
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Experience in heat exchanger or similar equipment design
- Strong preference for mechanical design experience
- Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (ASME, TEMA, EN13445, PED/PSSR)
- Experience with tools such as HTRI, Aspen EDR, or similar (desirable)
- Awareness of CFD methods (advantageous)
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Demonstratable experience in a similar role
Location & Ways of working
This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You will be expected to attend a UK office location as required to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery.
What’s In It For You
- Salary between £42,000 – £52,500 DOE
- Bonus – Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays – 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and ability to buy/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
Selection Process
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Basic financial probity checks
Inclusion & Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best. We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety‑critical industries.
Pay Range
£42,000.00 – £55,125.00
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
Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers in Warrington employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
Join a forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of delivering clean, affordable energy through innovative Small Modular Reactor technology. With a flexible and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from opportunities for career growth, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, all while contributing to meaningful projects that address global energy challenges. Located in vibrant cities like Derby, Warrington, or Manchester, this role offers a unique chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and make a significant impact in the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers in Warrington
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
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✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Rolls-Royce SMR love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Rolls-Royce SMR and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Rolls-Royce SMR and the Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Rolls-Royce SMR, making you a more appealing candidate.
