Nuclear Core Physics Opportunities - Submarines

ZipRecruiter; Swindon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the UK is offering a Senior Physicist role in the Reactor Engineering team. Responsibilities include designing reactor cores and supporting testing for the UK submarine fleet. Candidates should have a relevant degree and be experienced in reactor physics. The position provides excellent career development opportunities and a competitive salary within an inclusive and innovative environment.

Benefits

Excellent development opportunities

Competitive salary

Exceptional benefits, including bonuses

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in engineering, physics, or a scientific subject.
• Experience in reactor physics or the nuclear industry.
• Analytical mindset and critical thinking.
• Effective communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Design reactor cores using deterministic and stochastic methods.
• Support manufacture of reactor cores.
• Design experiments and perform measurements.
• Support UK submarine fleet with tests and trials.
• Research and apply improvements in reactor physics.

Job description

Overview

Nuclear Core Physics opportunities in the Reactor Engineering team at Rolls-Royce Submarines. Full time roles based in Derby, Raynesway. A range of exciting Reactor Physics opportunities are available for physicists at all stages of their career.

Why Rolls-Royce?
Rolls-Royce is a long-standing innovator that designs, builds, and services systems providing critical power where safety and reliability are paramount. We aim to empower progress and growth, with an inclusive, innovative culture that offers opportunities to develop your career.

What we offer
Excellent development opportunities, a competitive salary, and exceptional benefits, including bonus, employee support assistance, and employee discounts.

What you will be doing

Core Physics offers a variety of roles including:

• Designing and substantiating reactor cores using both deterministic and stochastic methods.
• Supporting manufacture of reactor cores.
• Designing experiments and performing measurements in our zero-energy critical benchmarking facility.
• Supporting the UK submarine fleet with onboard tests and trials.
• Connecting with other centres of physics knowledge and skills, such as our industry partner, civil nuclear and academia.
• Researching, developing, and applying new and novel improvements across all areas of reactor physics, including validation of new methods, and exploring ways to maximise operational capability.

Who we are looking for

At Rolls-Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles guide our behaviours and are essential to our assessment process. Reactor physics opportunities are available at all levels, from near-graduates to experienced senior physicists, with specifics tailored to the successful candidate.

We are looking for candidates with:

• A strong academic background with a relevant degree (undergraduate, masters, or PhD) in engineering, physics, or a scientific subject.
• Experience working in reactor physics or the wider nuclear industry.
• An analytical mindset, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate effectively with any audience, quickly establishing credibility and buy-in.
• A willingness to learn from others and collaborate to achieve wider goals.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and problem solving.

By building a culture of caring and belonging, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

You can learn more about our global strategy at Our people | Rolls-Royce.

Requirements

To work for the Rolls-Royce Submarines business an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently have it. Due to the nature of work and asset protection, progress applications from UK or MoD-approved dual nationals.

Job Category: Validation and Verification

Posting Date: 15 Sept 2025; 00:09

Posting End Date: 29 Sept 2025

Keywords: Senior Physicist, Location: Derby, ENG - DE23 8NX