Nuclear Watchkeeper (Reactor instrumentation) - Submarines

Rolls-Royce; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Annual Leave

Income Protection

Life Assurance

Digital GP

EAP & Wellbeing

Job summary

Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby is seeking a Nuclear Watchkeeper with Electrical Systems experience to verify the EC&I products for the next-generation reactor control system. You will develop tests, models and emulators, validate system behaviour, and work with commissioning teams to deploy equipment on submarines.

The role requires ex-submariner experience, CAT A/B qualification preferred, and a strong focus on safety and high-integrity electrical/electronic systems.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Electrical/Control/Systems/Software Engineering.
• Systems level Verification and Validation experience.
• Ex-submariner with operator experience preferred (CAT B/A).

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of verification of one or more EC&I products.
• Review requirements and allocate verification methods.
• Develop test procedures and test scripts for EC&I systems.
• Create dynamic models and algorithm emulators for verification.
• Verify the integrated EC&I system against requirements.
• Validate system using plant knowledge to interpret behaviour.
• Collaborate with commissioning teams to deploy equipment on boats.

Skills

Ex-submariner

Operator experience

Electrical controls

Instrumentation experience

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Nuclear Watchkeeper (Reactor instrumentation) - Submarines

Working Pattern: Full Time - Days

Working location: Derby (5 Days onsite)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Nuclear Watchkeeper with Electrical Systems experience to join the growing EC&I Verification & Validation team at Rolls Royce Submarines.

The EC&I V&V team are responsible for delivering the verification of the next-generation Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor control system. And this opportunity puts you right at the heart of the action, getting hands on with real kit and ensuring we deliver a safe product to the customer.

Why join Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture

What you will be doing:

You will be responsible for delivering critical test artefacts to verify the system, this includes:

• Taking ownership of verification of one or more EC&I products including:
• Review of requirements and allocation of methods
• Development of test procedures & test scripts
• Development of dynamic models and algorithm emulators
• Verification of the integrated EC&I system against it’s requirements set.
• Validation of the integrated EC&I system utilising plant knowledge to observe and interpret system behaviour.
• Integration with the commissioning teams to deploy equipment onto boats.

Who we’re looking for:

At Rolls-Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviours that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.

• Nuclear Watchkeeper, Ex Submariner with significant Operator/ Electrical Controls and Instrumentation experience. key skillset required for this position is applicable plant knowledge and experience which can be applied to the behavioural analysis of the system. Therefore, the candidate will preferably be an ex-submariner who has operator experience. (CAT B or CAT A qualified).
• Analytical and logical mind with numeracy and literacy skills.
• A good technical understanding of high integrity electrical/electronic systems.

Desirable:

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience Electrical, Control, Systems or Software Engineering.
• Systems level Verification and Validation experience.

Regional Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave
• Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce
• Digital GP provides a convenient way for you to access GP consultations
• Employee Assistance (EAP) and Live Well programmes

To work for the Rolls-Royce Submarines, an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MoD approved cases, a dual national.

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive

Closing date: 13/10/2026

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Job Category

Transformation & Operations

Posting Date

30 Sept 2026; 00:09

Posting End Date

13 Oct 2026