Head of Structural Analysis

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 85,600 - 112,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus – 20% target

Benefits allowance – £8,500

Pension – 12% employer / 6% employee

Holidays – 28 days + IT

Private medical insurance

Life assurance – 6x pensionable pay

Home office starter £250

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a senior leader to head Structural Analysis, delivering the long-term direction for a critical engineering function within our nuclear reactor programme.

You will lead a ~45-strong team, shape capability growth, govern design maturity, and partner with regulators and customers to maintain safety, quality and programme delivery across our development and deployment plans.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent required.
• Engineering degree in an engineering discipline required.
• Significant experience leading large engineering functions.
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders.
• Technical credibility within Structural Analysis or related disciplines.
• Experience developing people and transforming capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Structural Analysis function with strategic direction.
• Ensure successful delivery across development programmes and lifecycle phases.
• Provide enterprise-wide prioritisation across competing demands.
• Act as senior authority for Structural Analysis and drive governance.
• Build a high-performing leadership team and culture of improvement.
• Represent the function with regulators, customers and partners.

Skills

Chartered Engineer

Engineering degree

Leadership of large functions

Stakeholder influence

Engineering credibility

People development

Transformation leadership

Education

Chartered Engineer status

Engineering degree

Job description

Location

Any of the Rolls‑Royce SMR locations, Manchester, Warrington & Derby (Hybrid)

Our Mission

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we are delivering a new generation of clean, reliable nuclear power. Our innovative Small Modular Reactor technology will help meet growing global energy demand while supporting the transition to a low‑carbon future. We are bringing together exceptional people to solve complex engineering challenges and accelerate the delivery of sustainable energy solutions.

The Team

Structural Analysis is a critical function within our Engineering organisation, providing the capability that underpins the safety, integrity and performance of our reactor design. Reporting to the Chief Design Engineer for Components & Mechanical Equipment, this role leads a department of approximately 45 specialists and senior leaders, supporting major development programmes, site deployment activities and future fleet operations.

The Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most strategically important engineering functions within Rolls‑Royce SMR. You will be accountable for the delivery, development and long-term direction of Structural Analysis across the business, balancing programme delivery with capability growth while influencing engineering strategy, organisational priorities and regulatory confidence.

What We'll Need You To Do

• Lead and develop the Structural Analysis function, setting strategic direction for capability, resources and growth.
• Ensure successful delivery of Structural Analysis across development programmes and lifecycle phases.
• Provide enterprise-wide prioritisation across competing programme and business demands.
• Act as the senior authority for Structural Analysis, driving governance, quality and Design Authority maturity.
• Build and inspire a high‑performing leadership team and culture of continuous improvement.
• Represent the function with senior stakeholders, regulators, customers and external partners.

What You'll Bring

• Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) and a degree in an engineering discipline.
• Significant experience leading large engineering functions within complex, regulated industries.
• Proven success leading through senior managers and delivering results across sizeable organisations.
• Strong strategic leadership capability and experience influencing executive stakeholders.
• Technical credibility within Structural Analysis or related engineering disciplines.
• The ability to develop people, drive transformation and build sustainable capability.

What's In It For You

• Salary between £85,600.00 and £115,800.00 DOE.
• Bonus – Performance related target opportunity 20%
• Benefits Allowance – £8,500 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.

Pay Range

£85,600.00
£112,350.00

Why Join Us?

• 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.

Equal Opportunities Statement

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.

Application Process

• 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.