Human Factors Engineer - Nuclear Systems & Safety Engineering

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR in the UK is seeking a Human Factors Engineer to integrate human-centred design across the programme, from layout development to safety reviews. You will ensure operators and maintainers’ needs shape the design lifecycle, with exposure to complex engineering challenges and collaboration with industry-leading experts.

This role offers hybrid and flexible working arrangements with locations in Derby, Warrington or Manchester, and a salary between £42,000 and £55,150 DOE plus

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or a related discipline, or equivalent experience applying Human Factors principles in industry.
• Knowledge of Human Factors methods and an understanding of how they can be applied to complex engineering, operational or safety-critical environments.
• Experience of, or an interest in, areas such as task analysis, layout assessment, operator performance, usability, Human Reliability Assessment or Human Machine Interface development.

Responsibilities

• Apply Human Factors methods and analyses to support design development, operational performance and safety case activities.
• Review and influence layouts, workspaces, systems and equipment to ensure operator needs are effectively integrated into the design.
• Support the development of control room concepts, digital Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and other operator-focused solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing Human Factors expertise during design reviews, requirement development and verification activities.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, assessments and recommendations, helping to resolve complex challenges and drive effective design decisions.

Skills

Human Factors methods

Usability

HMI development

Task analysis

Layout assessment

Operator performance

Human Reliability Assessment

Education

Human Factors/Ergonomics/Psychology degree or related

Job description

Our Mission

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we’re transforming the future of clean energy by developing next-generation nuclear power stations that will deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity for generations to come. This is an opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s most ambitious engineering programmes and play a role in delivering a sustainable energy future.

The Team

You’ll join our Human Factors team within Nuclear Systems & Safety Engineering, working alongside experienced specialists who help ensure safety, operability and human performance are embedded throughout the design of our power stations and manufacturing facilities. The team works closely with multidisciplinary engineering functions, influencing major design decisions and supporting the delivery of a safe, efficient and innovative product.

The Role

As a Human Factors Engineer, you’ll help integrate human-centred design principles across the Rolls-Royce SMR programme. From supporting layout development and control room concepts to contributing to safety assessments and design reviews, you’ll ensure the needs of operators and maintainers are considered throughout the design lifecycle. This role offers exposure to complex engineering challenges, collaboration with industry-leading experts and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a first-of-a-kind programme.

What We’ll Need You to Do

• Apply Human Factors methods and analyses to support design development, operational performance and safety case activities.
• Review and influence layouts, workspaces, systems and equipment to ensure operator needs are effectively integrated into the design.
• Support the development of control room concepts, digital Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and other operator-focused solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing Human Factors expertise during design reviews, requirement development and verification activities.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, assessments and recommendations, helping to resolve complex challenges and drive effective design decisions.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or a related discipline, or equivalent experience applying Human Factors principles in industry.
• Knowledge of Human Factors methods and an understanding of how they can be applied to complex engineering, operational or safety-critical environments.
• Experience of, or an interest in, areas such as task analysis, layout assessment, operator performance, usability, Human Reliability Assessment or Human Machine Interface development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive and curious mindset with the willingness to learn, develop and contribute to an innovative and inclusive engineering environment.

Location :This role can be based in Derby, Warrington or Manchester with hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

What’s in It for You: We anticipate paying a salary of between £42,000 -£55,150 DOE plus:-

• 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 - 29 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 rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.

Pay Range:

£42,000.00

£55,125.00

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