Ref: 405
Department: IT
Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
Employment type: Full-time
Salary: £20,706
Closing date: 25/07/2025
Role Related
Role Title: Apprentice Digital AI Engineer (Level 6 -Degree)
Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
We are Rolls-Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.
Are you the kind of person who talks to AI for fun, wonders how Netflix
knows what you want to watch, or dreams of designing the tech behind the tech? Do you see data as digital gold and love solving complex problems with clever code? If that sounds like you, you might be just who we’re looking for as our next Digital AI Engineer Apprentice!
What You’ll Be Doing:
AI Curiosity: Help design, develop, and test machine learning models that make smart decisions — from recognising patterns to chatting like a human.
Data Learning: Dive into big data, explore datasets, and uncover insights that help our systems learn and improve.
Code Crafting: Use languages like Python to bring your AI creations to life.
Digital Engineering: Work on real-world projects that combine software engineering with AI — whether it’s chatbots, recommendation engines, or automation systems.
Model Maintenance: Help monitor and improve existing AI systems, making sure they stay accurate, fair, and awesome over time.
What We’re Looking For: (We know you may not have a background in Digital AI just yet, but we’d love to hear your passion for the future of AI!)
Analytical Mindset: You love solving puzzles, spotting patterns, and thinking a few steps ahead.
Tech Savvy: Whether it’s coding, gaming, or exploring new apps, you’re always diving into the digital world to learn more.
Creative Coder: You’re not just technical — you think creatively about how to apply AI to real-world problems.
Collaborator Extraordinaire: AI is a team game, and you’re happy sharing, listening, and building with others.
Hungry to Learn: This is a degree-level apprenticeship — so if you’re excited to study while working on the cutting-edge of tech, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Earn While You Learn: Study towards your Level 6 Digital Technology Solutions Degree (specialising in AI) while working hands-on with real AI projects.
Mentorship that Matters: Learn from digital and tech experts and engineers who are passionate about helping you grow your skills and confidence.
Future-Proof Career: AI is the future (and the now!) — this is your chance to get in early and build a career in one of the most exciting areas of tech.
Innovative Culture: Join a team where curiosity is celebrated, experimentation is encouraged, and new ideas are always welcome.
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.
Requirements for the role:
- GCSE grade 4/C in Maths and English Language (or equivalent) and 2 A-Levels.
- Left full-time education.
- Right to live and work in the UK.
- Must not have a similar qualification at a higher level.
Pay And Benefits
We anticipate paying a salary of between £20,706 plus:-
- Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays).
- Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
- £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases
Company Related
We are Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer because it blends the world-class brand of Rolls Royce with an exciting start-up that has a hugely challenging mission. We’re doing work that contributes to the survival of the planet. Because of our mission, there’s a pace and energy that is palpable, and our leaders draw you in with their passion, energy, and determination.
We’re one of a handful of employers who can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation – our people are here because of what makes them great, and our job is to help them make the best contribution of their careers doing work they love.
The start-up mentality coupled with our strengths-approach to people means there are opportunities to grow in ways and jobs you probably would be barred from doing in more traditional companies.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years, helping to support the roll out of renewable generation and overcome intermittency issues
Our Culture
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge.
Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture.
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
