Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines

Rolls--royce; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby is seeking a Design/Development Engineer to join the Special Purpose Machines team. You will develop fit-for-purpose solutions from concept through to implementation, addressing time, cost and quality constraints while working on bespoke mechanisms for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet.

The role requires hands-on experience with machining processes, design for manufacture and assembly, and a strong focus on safety.

Qualifications

• Design for manufacture and assembly principles applied to machinery.
• Knowledge of health and safety considerations in mechanical design.
• Experience with concurrent engineering and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop fit-for-purpose engineering solutions from concept to implementation.
• Produce design solutions and technical drawings for gated design reviews.
• Provide technical support to sub-contract manufacturers and oversee assembly activities.
• Create development test plans and validate capabilities through trials and commissioning.

Skills

Design for manufacture

Design for assembly

Concurrent engineering

Health & safety awareness

Machining processes understanding

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD software

Job description

Job DescriptionDesign/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - SubmarinesFull TimeDerbyWe have an exciting opportunity for a Design/Development Engineer to join the Special Purpose Machines Team within the Rolls-Royce Submarines business.This is a great opportunity for you to get involved in all stages of product development, from feasibility and concept, through design, build, development, training and implementation, as necessary. You will have the chance to see your ideas become reality in a fast-paced environment, where your problem solving, and engineering skills will be challenged and developed.Why join Rolls-Royce?At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.As part of the Services Delivery Business Unit, the Special Purpose Machines (SPM) Team develop bespoke repair, inspection and maintenance capabilities, against challenging constraints, in support of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet. SPM has developed a particular expertise in the design of portable cutting/dressing machines, compact material sampling equipment and inspection manipulators. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact within an interesting and exciting area of the business.What you will be doing:You’ll be developing fit-for-purpose, innovative engineering solutions, from concept to implementation, against customer and governance requirements, whilst adhering to stringent time, cost and quality constraints.Delivering SPM solutions through management of own day-to-day activities and risks.Producing design solutions and engineering drawings, then presenting at gated design reviews to demonstrate all key requirements have been met.Providing technical support to sub-contract manufacturers and then undertaking equipment build/assembly activities.Producing development test plans, then performing trials and demonstrations to fully validate and commission capabilities.Producing operating procedures, training personnel, and supporting initial on-site implementation activities.Position Qualifications:An understanding of sound engineering principles, including: design for manufacture, design for assembly and maintenance, health and safety, concurrent engineering, and ideally and appreciation of the protocols associated with nuclear applications.Experience of the practical application, and ideally ‘hands-on’ experience, of a broad range of machining processes and tools, for example: cutting machines, dressing machines, manipulators and mechanisms.Previous machine design and development experience, preferably bespoke special purpose machines, and the production of the associated technical documentation.Familiarity with design tools/techniques and proficient in the use of CAD, ideally Siemens‑NX.A Mechanical Engineering related degree, or equivalent experience.To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines you need to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently already have this in place.Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets, you must hold a UK nationality. Any dual nationals will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work with RRSL.Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.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.Job CategoryMechanical SystemsPosting Date28 Sept 2026; 00:09Posting End Date05 Oct 2026