At a Glance
- Tasks: Design critical components for nuclear power solutions and collaborate with global teams.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sustainable energy while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; design experience in regulated industries preferred.
Location: Warrington / Derby / Manchester (Hybrid working)
Our Mission
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are transforming the future of clean energy by delivering scalable, low-carbon nuclear power solutions that support global decarbonisation and energy security. Our mission is to deploy factory-built nuclear power plants that are affordable, sustainable, and commercially viable at scale.
The Team
You will join the Nuclear Equipment Component Design team, a multidisciplinary group responsible for some of the most critical components in the reactor core and fuel route. The team works across areas such as reactor pressure vessel internals, fuel assemblies, control rod systems, and spent fuel handling solutions, collaborating closely with supply chain partners and regulators to deliver designs through the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) and into deployment.
The Role
As a Component Design Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering integrated mechanical design solutions across the full product lifecycle, from concept through to operation. You will work within cross-functional teams and alongside global suppliers to develop robust, manufacturable designs that meet regulatory, safety, and commercial requirements while contributing to the maturity of the overall SMR product definition.
What We’ll Need You to Do:
- Deliver mechanical component designs that meet performance, safety, cost, and schedule requirements.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure integrated, practical solutions.
- Support product definition and design maturity across key programme stages.
- Identify risks and resolve technical challenges with effective engineering judgement.
- Contribute to verification, validation, and regulatory documentation.
- Review supplier outputs and support delivery across the supply chain.
What You’ll Bring:
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; working towards Chartered status is beneficial.
- Experience in mechanical design within a regulated or high-integrity industry.
- Understanding product lifecycle activities from design through to in-service support.
- Familiarity with engineering tools such as CAD and analysis methods (e.g. FEA).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Solid organisation and problem-solving capability in a complex environment.
Location
This role offers flexible and hybrid working, with time spent across our Warrington, Derby or Manchester offices. Occasional travel may be required to support delivery activities and supplier engagement.
What’s in It for You:
We anticipate paying a salary of between £42,000 - £55,150 DOE plus:
- 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 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 be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.
Pay Range: £42,000.00-£55,125.00
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
Component Engineer - Nuclear Equipment employer: SwiftCruit
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Derby, UK. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our robust professional development opportunities, competitive benefits package, and a culture that champions innovation and diversity. Join us in shaping the future of clean energy while enjoying flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Component Engineer - Nuclear Equipment
✨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 SwiftCruit.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨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 SwiftCruit love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of SwiftCruit 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 Component Engineer - Nuclear Equipment
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 SwiftCruit and the Component Engineer - Nuclear Equipment 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 SwiftCruit
✨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 SwiftCruit.
✨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 SwiftCruit.
✨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 SwiftCruit, making you a more appealing candidate.
