Safety Systems Manager - Containment Systems Design

Rolls-royce; Warrington; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear energy firm in the UK is looking for a Safety Systems Manager to lead the Containment Systems Design team. This role involves managing complex design programmes crucial for nuclear safety and requires strong experience in system design development and leadership. You will ensure compliance with safety standards, contribute to innovative engineering solutions, and lead a skilled team. The position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, reflecting commitment to clean energy solutions.

Benefits

Bonus of up to 12.5%

Benefits Allowance of £2,200

12% employer pension contributions

28 days holiday plus public holidays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Chartered or near-chartered engineer status with relevant degree.
• Strong experience in system design development and programme delivery.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and manage contractors.
• Knowledge of nuclear safety principles and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of engineers in safety-critical design programmes.
• Drive development of containment and accident systems compliant with standards.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to grow design capability.
• Represent the company in regulatory discussions.

Skills

Chartered engineer

System design development

Leadership skills

Knowledge of nuclear safety principles

PWR design

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of engineers to deliver complex, safety-critical design programmes.
• Drive the development of containment and severe accident systems, ensuring compliance with nuclear safety standards.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to grow design capability and influence technical strategy.
• Represent Rolls-Royce SMR in regulatory discussions and champion robust governance processes.
• Proven ability in system design development, including managing design requirements, applying systems engineering techniques, performing equipment sizing and fluid flow calculations, and producing substantiated design documentation such as P&IDs and technical reports.
• Ability to deliver complex engineering programmes – defining scope, managing risks, monitoring progress, and achieving milestones to time and budget.
• Proven leadership in engineering management, including delivering technical outputs to time, cost, and quality constraints, managing contractors and supply chain agreements, and coaching diverse teams to grow capability and performance.

Strong understanding of nuclear safety and operations, including Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design and behaviour, reactor plant operations, and compliance with Environmental, Safety, Security and Safeguarding (E3S) principles such as ALARP and BAT.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential Skills & Experience

• Chartered (or near‑chartered) engineer with a degree in a relevant discipline.
• Strong experience in system design development and programme delivery.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and manage contractors.
• Knowledge of nuclear safety principles, PWR design, and regulatory requirements. 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.

Rolls-Royce SMR is pioneering a new generation of clean, affordable nuclear energy through its Small Modular Reactor technology. As the UK's preferred SMR vendor, Rolls‑Royce SMR is driving innovation to support global net‑zero goals, energy security, and industrial decarbonisation. Joining the team means working at the forefront of advanced engineering, shaping sustainable energy solutions with real‑world impact.

The Role

We are looking for a Safety Systems Manager – Containment Systems Design. This is a unique opportunity to lead the Containment Systems design team within Rolls‑Royce SMR's growing Reactor Safety Systems department. As Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering systems and measures critical to nuclear safety, guiding a talented team of engineers through complex design programmes in a fast‑paced, technically challenging environment. You’ll shape solutions that ensure the confinement of radioactive material under all plant conditions, drive innovation in severe accident systems, and influence the future of clean energy.

Salary & Benefits

We anticipate a salary of £57,600–£74,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. We also offer excellent benefits including:

• Bonus – Performance‑related bonus of up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200, 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 – 6× pensionable pay
• £250 – One‑off payment for new starters for home office purchases

You’ll join a forward‑thinking organisation that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.

Selection Process

The process includes an introductory call with our Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by two interview stages. Due to nuclear industry regulations, additional screening will apply (BPSS, DBS, financial probity).

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.