Welding Engineer (Field Service - Nuclear) - Submarines

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Nuclear Field Service Welding Engineer within the IMRS (Inspection Maintenance and Repair Services) Welding Team in Derby. IMRS forms part of the Services Delivery Business Unit within Submarines. Our busy Engineering team is responsible for developing and deploying tailored repair and maintenance solutions to support the in-service maintenance of the UK submarine fleet, as well as support to submarine design and build programmes.

As a Welding Engineer, you will provide both practical and technical support to the welding development projects at Derby. You will also perform a wide variety of welding engineering activities to support procedural documentation, welder supervision and site repair activities at Derby or in the field.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop, qualify, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS/PQRs) in line with industry standards (ASME, ISO, DGS and RRP).
• Independently manage your own projects, in line with customer requirements, cost and delivery (SQCDP).
• Lead and supervise on-site repair activities and welfare of the deployed team, ensuring work is delivered safely, on time, and to specification.
• Provide technical welding expertise to support complex repairs, installations, and manufacturing.
• Investigate welding issues and implement continuous improvement to reduce rework, defects, and downtime.
• Manage quality control, inspections, and documentation across a wide variety of projects.
• Train, mentor, and upskill welders to improve competency, productivity, and quality.
• Promote a strong safety culture, complying with nuclear site rules, risk assessments, method statements and permit-to-work systems.

Shifts / Travel

Although Derby based, the role will entail travelling to various sites across the UK for varying durations and will normally consist of working shift patterns, usually based on 12-hour days or nights dependent on the task. The number of days a year site deployed is approximately 90 days, although durations will vary based on workload and training. Although site work is generally pre-planned, there will be the requirement to support emergent requests to deploy with less than 48 hours notice. Whilst in Derby, flexible working hours are in place from 7:00am to 6:00pm, working a standard 7.4 hours per day.

Position Qualifications:

• Experience from a Welding Engineering background, familiarity with the nuclear industry (desirable).
• An IIW Welding diploma - IWE Level or similar. (IEng or CEng status is preferable).
• Understanding of welding processes for in service, manufacturing and engineering activities, and a strong understanding of quality and process control.
• Experience with GTAW mechanised processes utilising the latest technology out in the industry (Polysoude, Arc Machines, Liburdi etc.).
• Experience in GMAW, SMAW, FCAW processes would also be beneficial.
• Good communications skills and able to interact with people at all levels within the business.
• Strong health and safety culture, with the willingness to support and lead on HS&E activities.
• Must have the ability to work as a harmonious member of a team.
• Be prepared to deploy to remote sites (within the UK) and support 12-hour shift working patterns as required, including weekends at site for long periods (Typically 2 weeks).
• Able to work autonomously, managing your time and balancing your day-to-day priorities and commitments.
• An ability to manoeuvre yourself and test equipment on/off and around submarines, demanding on occasion periods of physical exertion.
• UK driving licence.

For more than 60 years Rolls-Royce Submarines has designed, supplied and supported the nuclear propulsion plant, providing power for all UK Royal Navy nuclear submarines. To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines an individual must hold a Security Check clearance. We will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t already have it. Due to the nature of work we conduct, we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MoD approved cases, a dual national.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.