Lead Engineer - Materials Analysis
Added 4 Sept · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£46,100
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2129 (75% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £46,100, and Rolls-Royce SMR is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
About the role
Location
Hybrid with flexibility to work from any Rolls-Royce SMR location, including Derby, Warrington and Manchester
Our Mission
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new era of clean energy through the development of world-class Small Modular Reactor technology. Our ambition is to provide affordable, low-carbon electricity that supports energy security, drives economic growth and helps accelerate the transition to a net-zero future. Joining us means contributing to one of the most significant engineering programmes in the UK and helping shape the future of nuclear energy.
The Team
You will join our Materials & Chemistry function, a specialist team responsible for providing the materials expertise that underpins the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. Working alongside design, structural analysis, structural integrity and wider engineering teams, you will play a key role in solving complex technical challenges and supporting the continued maturity of the reactor design.
The Role
As Lead Engineer – Materials Analysis, you will provide technical leadership in the development and application of materials analysis methods, tools and software that support the evolution of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. You will assess material performance, derive engineering data, evaluate degradation mechanisms and develop analytical approaches that inform critical design decisions while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement within the team.
What We'll Need You To Do
Hybrid with flexibility to work from any Rolls-Royce SMR location, including Derby, Warrington and Manchester
Our Mission
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new era of clean energy through the development of world-class Small Modular Reactor technology. Our ambition is to provide affordable, low-carbon electricity that supports energy security, drives economic growth and helps accelerate the transition to a net-zero future. Joining us means contributing to one of the most significant engineering programmes in the UK and helping shape the future of nuclear energy.
The Team
You will join our Materials & Chemistry function, a specialist team responsible for providing the materials expertise that underpins the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. Working alongside design, structural analysis, structural integrity and wider engineering teams, you will play a key role in solving complex technical challenges and supporting the continued maturity of the reactor design.
The Role
As Lead Engineer – Materials Analysis, you will provide technical leadership in the development and application of materials analysis methods, tools and software that support the evolution of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. You will assess material performance, derive engineering data, evaluate degradation mechanisms and develop analytical approaches that inform critical design decisions while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement within the team.
What We'll Need You To Do
- Lead the development, validation and deployment of materials analysis tools, methodologies and software that support design development and engineering decision-making.
- Assess material behaviour, performance and degradation mechanisms, providing robust technical evidence to support structural and functional requirements across the programme.
- A degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, alongside professional registration or a desire to work towards it.
- Strong experience applying materials science principles to engineering challenges, including material selection, performance assessment, property derivation and lifecycle considerations.
- Experience developing or applying analytical tools, software and data models, with knowledge of Python, MATLAB, FORTRAN or similar programming environments.
- An understanding of material degradation mechanisms and environmental effects on material performance, ideally gained within the nuclear sector or another highly regulated industry.
- Knowledge of relevant engineering codes, standards and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement to complex technical problems.
- A collaborative and proactive approach, with strong communication skills, a commitment to technical excellence and a passion for supporting the development of others.
What’s In It For You
We anticipate paying a salary of between £63,600.00 - £83,500.00 DOE plus:-
Pay Range
£
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:
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:
- 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
Pay Range
£
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.
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
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Rolls-Royce SMR, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2129 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~167k in sampleP25 £38kP75 £59k
£31kmedian £46kgoing rate £46k£73k
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Browse more sponsored jobs at Rolls-Royce SMRAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Rolls-Royce SMR holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2129 going rate of £46,100. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.