Senior Human Factors Engineer - Nuclear Systems & Safety Engineering

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus – 12.5%

Benefits allowance

Pension – employer contributions

Holidays with buy/sell options

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Senior Human Factors Engineer to shape how people interact with some of the most advanced nuclear systems. Based in the UK with hybrid working, you’ll lead HF activities across the programme, embedding user-centred perspectives from concept through design maturity and regulatory engagement.

You will work with engineering and safety teams to translate complex challenges into practical solutions and help develop a high-integrity HF capability.

Qualifications

• Experience applying Human Factors in a regulated or safety-critical industry.
• Understanding of how people, technology and processes interact within complex environments.
• Experience delivering engineering projects, safety cases or assurance activities.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; translate complex challenges into practical solutions.
• Degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Human Factors activities across key areas of the programme.
• Embed Human Factors considerations into design decisions from the outset with engineering teams.
• Develop evidence demonstrating safety, security and operability of systems.
• Provide technical insight to shape complex engineering solutions and user experience.
• Build relationships with stakeholders to drive alignment and decision-making.
• Produce high-quality outputs and clearly communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support growth of the Human Factors capability through coaching and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Human Factors

Regulated industry

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or related discipline

Job description

Location: Warrington, Derby or Manchester | Hybrid Working

Our Mission

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we’re delivering a new generation of low-carbon nuclear power that will help provide secure, affordable and sustainable energy for decades to come. By combining proven nuclear technology with innovative engineering, we’re creating solutions that will support energy security, drive economic growth and accelerate the transition to net zero.

The Team:

Join a growing Human Factors capability at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious engineering programmes. Working within Nuclear Systems & Safety Engineering, you’ll collaborate with specialists across design, operations, safety, security and environmental disciplines to ensure people remain central to the development of the Rolls-Royce SMR power station. This is a highly collaborative environment where you’ll have the opportunity to influence critical design decisions, share expertise across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a programme that is helping redefine the future of nuclear energy.

The Role:

As a Senior Human Factors Engineer, you’ll help shape how people interact with some of the most advanced engineering systems being developed today. You’ll apply your expertise to influence design, improve operational performance and support the development of a safe, secure and efficient power station. From early concept development through to design maturity and regulatory engagement, your work will have a direct impact on the success of the programme. This is an opportunity to combine technical excellence with real programme influence, working on complex challenges while helping develop the next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

What We’ll Need You to Do:

• Lead Human Factors activities across key areas of the SMR programme.
• Partner with engineering and specialist teams to embed Human Factors considerations into design decisions from the outset.
• Support the development of evidence that demonstrates the safety, security and operability of our systems.
• Provide technical insight that helps shape complex engineering solutions and improve user experience.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the programme, influencing decisions and driving alignment.
• Produce high-quality technical outputs and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support the growth of the Human Factors capability through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience applying Human Factors principles within a regulated or safety-critical industry such as nuclear, defence, aerospace, rail, energy or oil and gas.
• A strong understanding of how people, technology and processes interact within complex operational environments.
• Experience contributing to the delivery of engineering projects, safety cases or assurance activities.
• The ability to work confidently across multidisciplinary teams, building credibility and influencing stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions.
• A degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Psychology or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• A collaborative mindset, curiosity to learn and a desire to make a meaningful impact on a pioneering programme.

Location :This role can be based in Derby, Warrington or Manchester with hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

What’s in It for You: We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,650.00 - £66,500.00 DOE plus:-

• Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, 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 - 6x pensionable pay

£250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases

You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.

Pay Range:

£50,600.00

£66,465.00

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.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we’ll let you in on a secret: there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

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

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