Head of C&I Systems Design & Integration

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus – performance-related up to 20%

Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee

Holidays – 28 days (+ PH)

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay

Home Office Support – £250

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Head of C&I Systems Design & Implementation to lead the integration and governance of Control & Instrumentation systems across the programme. The role drives MBSE adoption, verification & validation planning, and technical governance in collaboration with regulators, suppliers and design teams.

You will shape the deployment of integrated architectures, ensure safety and cybersecurity are embedded, and develop capability within the EC&I organisation for a demanding,

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex safety-related systems in a regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of nuclear safety, safety case development and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Systems Design & Implementation function across the EC&I organisation.
• Define and maintain integrated C&I implementation strategies and baselines.
• Govern hardware, software, and infrastructure interfaces across projects.
• Lead requirements traceability, verification and validation activities.
• Oversee supplier relationships and engagement with regulators and licensing bodies.

Skills

C&I systems

System architectures

MBSE

Configuration management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Supplier management

Education

Degree in Control & Instrumentation Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

Role Title: Head of C&I Systems Design & ImplementationWe are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.The Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) function is responsible for delivering the control, protection, automation and monitoring systems that underpin the safe, secure and efficient operation of the SMR power station.The Systems Design & Implementation team translates plant functional architectures into integrated, deliverable physical system solutions, ensuring technical excellence across the full engineering lifecycle.About the Role:As Head of C&I Systems Design & Implementation, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the development, integration, implementation and governance of Control & Instrumentation systems across the Rolls‑Royce SMR programme.You will lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for system implementation, physical architectures, interface management, verification and validation planning, deployment readiness and design integration. Working alongside the Chief Design Engineer, Functional Architecture teams, Safety Case teams, regulators, suppliers and senior programme stakeholders, you will ensure C&I systems are delivered safely, securely and to the highest standards of engineering excellence.This role forms part of the EC&I senior leadership team and carries significant accountability for technical governance, organisational capability, programme delivery and long‑term engineering strategy.We’ll Need You To:Lead the Systems Design & Implementation function across the EC&I organisationDefine and maintain integrated C&I implementation strategies and physical architecture baselinesEnsure hardware, software, communications and infrastructure interfaces are fully integrated and controlledEstablish and govern system architecture, implementation and deployment strategiesLead requirements traceability, verification and validation planning activitiesChampion Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches and digital engineering practicesMaintain robust configuration management and technical baselining arrangementsLead technical governance, design reviews and engineering assurance activitiesEnsure nuclear safety, cybersecurity and regulatory requirements are embedded within system architecturesSupport licensing activities, regulatory engagement and independent technical assessmentsDevelop strategic delivery plans that align resources, investment and capability with programme demandsProvide technical oversight of supplier and partner organisationsBuild and develop a high‑performing engineering organisation through coaching, mentoring and succession planningShape the future capability of the EC&I organisation and develop future technical leadersKey Skills Required:We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:Extensive experience leading the development and implementation of complex Control & Instrumentation systemsProven technical leadership across integrated system architectures, implementation strategies and physical system designStrong understanding of systems engineering, including: Requirements management Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Verification and validation Configuration management Technical governanceExperience defining, governing and maintaining large‑scale integrated system architecturesStrong understanding of nuclear safety, safety case development and regulatory complianceKnowledge of relevant standards including: IEC 61513 IEC 61226 IEC 61508 IEC 62443Experience supporting regulatory assessments, licensing activities and technical assurance programmesProven experience delivering engineering programmes in highly regulated environmentsStrong leadership capability with responsibility for organisational development and succession planningExperience managing strategic supplier relationships and engineering delivery partnersExcellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skillsAbility to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated programmesQualifications:Degree qualified in Control & Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related disciplineChartered Engineer (CEng), or the ability to achieve chartership within an agreed timeframeSignificant experience delivering complex safety‑related systems in a regulated industryLocation:Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:Derby, Manchester or Warrington.Salary and Package:The salary band for this role will be between £85,600 – £115,800 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the seniority and strategic leadership responsibility of the role.Benefits include:Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 20%Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum for a bespoke packagePension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributionsHolidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 daysPrivate Medical Insurance – BUPA single coverLife Assurance – 6× pensionable payHome Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new startersSelection Process:The closing date for this role is 18th October 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.Pay Range:£85,600.00-£112,350.00Why 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 ProcessDue 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#LI‑CE1 #LI‑Hybrid #WeAreSMR #destinationnuclear