Lead Engineer - Extra High Voltage (EHV) Systems

Rolls-Royce SMR Limited; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus – Performance‑related up to 12.5

Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum

Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Lead Engineer - Extra High Voltage (EHV) Systems to drive technical specification, development and delivery of 400kV switchgear and transmission infrastructure for the SMR grid connection. You will translate system requirements into robust component specifications and guide supplier engagement through the lifecycle.

Hybrid role based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington, leading technical governance, reviews and risk management, with cross-disciplinary collaboration to

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with EHV infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of IEC standards and grid connection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop component requirements for EHV switchgear and transmission infrastructure.
• Produce and manage EHV technical specifications and procurement documentation.
• Define equipment ratings and fault-level requirements.
• Support selection and evaluation of AIS and GIS switchgear solutions.
• Review supplier calculations and designs; provide technical oversight.

Skills

EHV systems

Electrical power

AIS GIS experience

Technical leadership

Vendor management

Grid connection

IEC standards

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Role Title: Lead Engineer - Extra High Voltage (EHV) Systems

We 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 Systems team is responsible for delivering safe, resilient and technically robust electrical infrastructure across the SMR power station. This includes the grid connection and transmission infrastructure that enables reliable connection to the wider electricity network. As part of this, Extra High Voltage (EHV) systems play a critical role in transferring power safely and efficiently between the SMR and the national grid.

About the Role:

As a Lead Engineer - Extra High Voltage (EHV) Systems you will be responsible for the technical specification, development, integration and delivery of EHV transmission and switchyard equipment associated with the SMR grid connection. Your scope will include 400kV switchgear, substations, busbar systems, instrument transformers, surge protection, earthing systems and associated transmission infrastructure. You will translate system‑level requirements into robust component specifications and manage EHV equipment packages through the complete lifecycle, from requirements definition and supplier engagement through to manufacture, testing, installation, commissioning and final acceptance. Acting as an Intelligent Customer, you will provide technical leadership to suppliers and engineering partners, ensuring solutions meet regulatory requirements, project standards, lifecycle performance expectations and grid connection obligations.

We’ll Need You To:

• Develop component requirements for EHV switchgear and transmission infrastructure
• Produce and manage EHV technical specifications and procurement documentation
• Define equipment ratings, insulation coordination requirements and fault‑level requirements
• Support selection and evaluation of AIS and GIS switchgear solutions
• Review supplier calculations, designs and technical submissions
• Assess electrical clearances, earthing systems and operational philosophies
• Manage technical interfaces with transformers, protection systems, auxiliary electrical systems and civil infrastructure
• Support design reviews, gate reviews and technical governance activities
• Act as the technical owner for: Main grid connection switchgear, Main transformer bays, Bus couplers and bus sections, Grid interface equipment, Instrument transformers, Circuit breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing switches, Surge arresters, Busbar systems, Protection interfaces
• Support supplier selection, tender evaluation and technical clarification activities
• Undertake factory visits and manufacturing oversight activities
• Review FAT procedures, witness FATs where required and assess qualification evidence
• Identify and manage technical risks and support issue resolution throughout the lifecycle
• Coordinate activities across systems engineering, protection and control, civil, structural, procurement, construction, quality and safety functions

Act as the Technical Owner for:

• Main grid connection switchgear
• Main transformer bays
• Bus couplers and bus sections
• Grid interface equipment
• Instrument transformers
• Circuit breakers
• Disconnectors
• Earthing switches
• Surge arresters
• Busbar systems
• Protection interfaces

Key Skills Required:

• Experience in electrical power engineering within transmission, utilities, substations or EHV infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of EHV systems including: Circuit breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing switches, Current and voltage transformers, Surge arresters, Busbar systems, Earthing systems, Protection interfaces
• Experience supporting or delivering AIS and/or GIS installations
• Experience developing technical specifications and procurement documentation
• Experience reviewing supplier designs and providing technical oversight
• Understanding of transmission system design, insulation coordination and fault‑level assessments
• Knowledge of grid connection requirements and substation design principles
• Knowledge of power system studies and electrical modelling approaches
• Understanding of relevant standards such as: IEC 62271, IEC 60071, IEC 61936, IEC 62305, ENA specifications, National Grid requirements, Grid Code obligations
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience acting as an Intelligent Customer and managing supplier relationships
• Ability to provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams

We welcome applications from candidates within nuclear and other regulated industries including Energy, Utilities, Defence, Rail, Aerospace, Petrochemical and Oil & Gas sectors.

Qualifications:

Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will also be considered.

Location:

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 £60,000 – £78,750 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Closing Date:

The closing date for this role is 5th October2026.

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.

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

About Rolls‑Royce SMR

We are Rolls‑Royce SMR. A career with Rolls‑Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls‑Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls‑Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low‑carbon energy – equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls‑Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future.

We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths‑based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional – and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls‑Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents.

Our Culture

We are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge.

Rolls‑Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture.

What we offer: At Rolls‑Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivating you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the9‑5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance.

Your career journey: At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we don’t just want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand the ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s helping you obtain formal qualifications or pairing you with a mentor, Rolls‑Royce SMR will provide you with a fulfilling career.

Join our talent community. We’re always on the lookout for the best talent. If there isn’t a role which is suitable for you now, you can Introduce Yourself.