Role: Expert - Structures

Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester

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 uniquely positioned to become a global leader in SMR technology and the UK's premier green energy export, helping shape a secure, resilient and low-carbon energy future.

The Civil and Structural Engineering team plays a critical role in delivering the safety, integrity and performance of our reactor and site designs. Working at the forefront of engineering innovation, the team brings together deep technical expertise, robust governance and collaborative problem-solving to support both our generic product development and customer deployment programmes.

In this context, we are looking for an Expert - Structures to support our Head of Structures. This is a senior technical leadership role that combines specialist engineering expertise, technical governance and strategic influence across multiple programmes. Working with teams across the business, you'll help solve our most complex structural engineering challenges while shaping the future capability of the discipline.

We'll need you to:

• Providing technical leadership across structural engineering activities, guiding the development of innovative and robust solutions for some of the most challenging aspects of SMR design.

• Leading the resolution of complex, multidisciplinary engineering challenges, driving technical excellence whilst balancing programme, safety, quality and commercial priorities.

• Supporting the development of engineering strategy, capability and technical standards across the structures discipline.

• Contributing to the growth of a high-performing engineering team through mentoring, coaching, technical sponsorship and professional development activities.

More specifically, we'll look to you for:

• Leading structural engineering work packages across generic product development and customer delivery programmes.

• Providing technical oversight and governance for the analysis, design and substantiation of reinforced concrete, steel and safety-significant structural systems.

• Driving the resolution of complex technical issues involving structural analysis, loading conditions, design justification, requirements management and risk reduction.

• Developing and maintaining technical standards, methodologies and engineering best practices across the structures discipline. Leading designs

• through governance and assurance processes, confidently presenting and defending technical solutions to internal and external stakeholders.

• Working closely with nuclear safety, reactor, mechanical and systems engineering teams to ensure fully integrated engineering solutions.

• Identifying and delivering technical improvement initiatives that enhance capability, reduce programme risk and improve engineering efficiency.

• Acting as a recognised subject matter expert, supporting high-priority challenges across engineering programmes and contributing to long-term technical strategy.

• Coaching engineers and acting as Supervising Civil Engineer for colleagues working towards professional registration and chartership.

• Supporting the wider leadership team in creating an environment where wellbeing, inclusion, accountability and continuous improvement remain at the centre of team culture.

• As you can see, this is a highly influential role within our engineering organisation. You'll bring intellectual curiosity, technical authority and a collaborative approach, helping us solve first-of-a-kind engineering challenges whilst developing the next generation of structural engineering talent.

We're looking for:

• Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer status, or equivalent demonstrable industry experience and technical leadership capability.

• We'll ask about your experience leading structural engineering delivery on major infrastructure, nuclear, power generation or other highly regulated programmes.

• Deep expertise in structural analysis, design and substantiation, with the ability to apply engineering judgement across complex loading scenarios and challenging design environments.

• Strong knowledge of relevant industry codes, standards, technical governance processes and engineering assurance frameworks.

• Demonstrable experience influencing stakeholders, leading multidisciplinary interfaces and presenting engineering solutions through governance and review processes.

• An understanding of nuclear safety case integration and conventional health and safety by design principles would be advantageous.

Location

We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements and welcome applications from across the UK. Travel to Rolls-Royce SMR offices and programme locations will be required as business needs dictate.

What's in it for me?

• We anticipate paying  £71,000-£93,200 depending on skills and experience

• 28 days’ leave, a 12% employer pension contribution, BUPA cover and more. You'll join an innovative organisation offering development, progression and a culture of openness and inclusion.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 forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness and innovation. We also offer:

• Opportunities to shape nationally significant clean energy infrastructure.

• Professional development and technical leadership opportunities.

• A flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment.

• The opportunity to influence the future direction of SMR technology and engineering excellence.

Selection Process

The closing date for this role is to be confirmed.

We anticipate the process consisting of an introductory discussion with the Talent Acquisition team followed by technical and leadership assessment stages.

Due to the regulatory requirements of the nuclear sector, successful candidates will be required to complete:

• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.

• A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

• Financial probity screening.

Please note this role is subject to Export Control restrictions and additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

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.

We are happy to discuss flexible working. We will also make workplace adjustments for disabled employees if these are needed to help them perform at their best in the role, and we are happy to discuss this once a job offer has been made.

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 and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives to our growing business.

Pay Range:

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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
 

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