Senior Reactor System Design Engineer

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Pension contributions

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Home office stipend

Job summary

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking a Senior Reactor System Design Engineer to lead complex process and mechanical designs for the Reactor Island, translating high-level requirements into robust, evidence-based solutions. The role spans from concept to licensing support, contributing to plant design maturity and regulatory alignment.

The position offers hybrid working with Derby, Warrington or Manchester, and involves delivering design packages, governance and mentoring engineers within a safety-critical

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex system designs in nuclear or similar regulated industries.
• Degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong systems engineering knowledge including requirements management and integration.
• Experience with mechanical or process systems such as fluids, HVAC, or plant systems.
• Ability to produce and review detailed technical documents (P&IDs, substantiation reports).

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of system design packages on time.
• Develop and manage system requirements with traceability and evidence.
• Produce design documentation and substantiation artefacts for safety cases.
• Collaborate with regulators and stakeholders to resolve technical challenges.
• Identify risks and apply governance and assurance processes.
• Provide technical leadership to engineers and grow the team.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Technical leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

P&ID drafting

Design calculations

Job description

Location:Hybrid – Derby, Warrington or ManchesterOur MissionAt Rolls-Royce SMR, we are revolutionising clean energy through the delivery of scalable, affordable nuclear power. Our mission is to provide reliable low-carbon energy that supports global net zero ambitions while driving innovation and engineering excellence at every stage of the programme.The TeamYou will join the Reactor Plant and Systems team, a multidisciplinary engineering function responsible for the design and development of the systems that underpin the Reactor Island. The team brings together expertise across mechanical, fluid and safety-critical systems, working collaboratively to develop robust, licensable, and high-performing designs.Operating within a highly regulated environment, the team plays a critical role in progressing the programme through detailed design and regulatory approval. You will work closely with internal specialists, external partners and regulators, contributing to a collaborative culture focused on delivery, safety and continuous improvement. As a Senior Engineer, you will also provide technical leadership and support to a small team, helping to shape both design outcomes and team capability.The RoleAs a Senior Reactor System Design Engineer, you will lead the development of complex process and mechanical system designs across the Reactor Island. You will play a key role in translating high-level requirements into robust, evidence-based design solutions that meet stringent regulatory and safety expectations.This role offers exposure to the full lifecycle of system design, from early concept development through to detailed design, substantiation and licensing support. You will contribute directly to the maturity and integration of the overall plant design, ensuring alignment with programme milestones and industry best practice while supporting the safe and efficient delivery of the Rolls-Royce SMR solution.What We’ll Need You to DoLead the delivery of system design packages so that outputs are technically robust, aligned to programme requirements and delivered to agreed timescales.Develop and manage system requirements to ensure designs are clearly defined, traceable and supported by appropriate verification and evidence.Produce high-quality engineering documentation, including design reports, system definitions and substantiation artefacts that support safety cases and regulatory submissions.Collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, including regulators, to resolve technical challenges and maintain programme momentum.Identify and actively manage risks and opportunities within the design scope, ensuring effective mitigation and continuous improvement.Apply design governance, configuration control and assurance processes to maintain consistency, quality and compliance.Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, supporting capability growth and driving a high-performance team environment.What You’ll Bring:Proven experience delivering complex system design work within nuclear or another highly regulated or safety-critical industry.A degree in an engineering or relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience gained through industry delivery.Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, integration and structured design approaches.Practical experience in mechanical or process system design, such as fluid systems, HVAC, chemical or plant-based systems.Confidence in producing and reviewing detailed technical documentation such as P&IDs, calculations and design substantiation reports.Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and build credibility across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to lead technical work, solve problems and support the development of others.LocationThis role is offered on a hybrid basis, with flexibility to be based in Derby, Warrington or Manchester. Regular on-site collaboration is expected, balanced with flexibility where possible.What’s in It for YouWe anticipate paying a salary of between £50,6500 - £66,500.00 DOE plus:-Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke packagePension - 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 careLife Assurance - 6x pensionable pay£250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchasesYou’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-£66,465.00Why 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 ProcessDue 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#LI-SZ1 #hybridworking #engineeringjobs #weareSMR