Location: Warrington, Derby or Manchester (Hybrid)

Our Mission

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new generation of low-carbon nuclear power that will help meet growing energy demands while supporting a cleaner future. Our Small Modular Reactor technology combines decades of engineering expertise with innovative manufacturing approaches to create safe, reliable and affordable clean energy solutions. Joining us means contributing to one of the UK's most significant engineering programmes and helping shape the future of energy.

The Team

You will join the Core Systems team within Engineering, working alongside specialists from reactor design, safety, systems integration, performance analysis and control & instrumentation. The team plays a key role in developing and maturing the reactor core design, ensuring it meets performance, safety and regulatory requirements while progressing critical programme milestones.

The Role

As a Systems Design Engineer, you will support the development of reactor core design solutions using a systems engineering approach. You will define requirements, manage interfaces and develop the engineering evidence needed to support design maturity and regulatory expectations. This role offers exposure to complex engineering challenges within a highly regulated environment and the opportunity to influence the future of clean energy.

What We'll Need You to Do

• Develop and deliver reactor core design solutions, ensuring requirements, interfaces and design outputs are aligned with programme objectives.
• Produce and review high-quality engineering documentation, including requirements, design descriptions and substantiation reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to resolve technical challenges and achieve integrated design solutions.
• Support verification, validation and technical review activities to ensure compliance with standards, governance and regulatory expectations.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities, driving continuous improvement throughout the design lifecycle.

What You'll Bring

• A degree in an engineering or scientific discipline, with experience contributing to complex engineering or system design projects.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, interface management and design substantiation.
• Experience within nuclear, defence, aerospace, energy or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• A proactive and collaborative approach with a passion for solving complex engineering challenges.

Location

This role can be based in Warrington, Derby or Manchester, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available. We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement, so if you believe you are a strong match for most of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

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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