Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 50,650 - 66,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus target 7%

Private medical insurance

28 days holiday (+ public holidays)

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR seeks a Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist to join the Ground Engineering team. This role offers a hybrid working model with primary office locations in Derby, Warrington, or Manchester. The position involves developing ground models and supporting critical infrastructure projects while ensuring robust geotechnical understanding.

Key responsibilities include interpreting geotechnical data, managing design activities, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have experience in large infrastructure projects and hold a Chartered Engineer qualification.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineering Geologist (CGeol) or working towards it.
• Experience managing and interpreting ground investigations.
• Strong knowledge of geological and geotechnical principles.

Responsibilities

• Undertake feasibility studies and geotechnical desk studies.
• Interpret and verify GI data focusing on rock mass characterization.
• Develop engineering ground models using specialist software.

Skills

Geological and geotechnical design capability

Strong knowledge of geological principles

Experience in multidisciplinary teams

Chartered Engineering Geologist (CGeol)

Education

Chartered Engineer qualification or equivalent

Tools

OpenGround

Leapfrog

Civil 3D – Geotechnical Modeller

Job description

Role: Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist

Hybrid working with your primary office location being whichever is closest to you: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.

Mission

Deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy crisis, positioning us to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK's premier green export technology.

Team

The Ground Engineering team underpins the safe and efficient deployment of our SMR technology, combining geoscience, engineering, and nuclear safety principles to solve complex site‑specific challenges. Through innovation, advanced modelling, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the team delivers critical insights that shape design, safety, and constructability.

Role

As a Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist, you will join our growing Ground Engineering team supporting key programmes including GBE-N and ČEZ. In this role you will develop ground models, inform design, and ensure robust geotechnical understanding across complex infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake feasibility studies, geotechnical desk studies, and design and interpretation of onshore and offshore ground investigations (GI), including technical support to the supervision of GI fieldwork.
• Interpret and verify GI data, with particular emphasis on rock mass characterisation and derivation of material and discontinuity properties for design.
• Develop engineering ground models, including 3D geological and structural models using specialist software (e.g., OpenGround, Leapfrog, Civil 3D – Geotechnical Modeller), to inform generic and site‑specific designs.
• Support geotechnical designs on multi‑disciplinary projects, including oversight of external consultants and third‑party suppliers.
• Manage design activities, supervise and mentor junior engineers, and lead collaboration with interfacing disciplines (hazards, structural, civil, and constructability teams) to ensure holistic and integrated design solutions.

Desirable Attributes

• Strong geological and geotechnical design capability including underground structures.
• Demonstrable experience in rock engineering.
• Experience working on large infrastructure projects in the UK.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to site.
• Experience in the nuclear sector or other highly regulated environments involving safety‑critical infrastructure.

Skills & Experience (Qualifications)

• Chartered Engineering Geologist (CGeol) or working towards chartership, or equivalent demonstrable industry experience.
• Experience managing and interpreting ground investigations and developing ground models for infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of geological and geotechnical principles, including rock mass characterisation, soil behaviour, and relevant codes and standards.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to integrated design and embedding health and safety considerations (e.g. CDM principles).
• BPSS clearance, DBS checks, and financial probity screening.

Location

This role offers flexible working; however, regular attendance at a UK office will be expected to support programme delivery, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

• Salary: £50,650 – £66,500 per annum.
• Performance‑related bonus target 7%.
• Benefits allowance – £2,200 per annum.
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• Holidays – 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private medical insurance – BUPA single cover health care.
• Life assurance – 6x pensionable pay.
• One‑off payment – £250 for new starters for home office purchases.

Pay Range

£50,650 – £66,500

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is fundamental to our culture, and we are committed to fair and accessible recruitment practices. We are a Disability Confident organisation and will make reasonable adjustments where needed.