Manager - Reactor Island Operational Design

Role: Manager - Reactor Island Operational Design

Location: Warrington, Derby or Manchester, UK based hybrid

Pay: £57,600- £74,500

About The Role

Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking an experienced Manager – Reactor Island Operational Design to lead a team of system designers in developing and substantiating the operational and technical design of the Reactor Island systems. This is a pivotal role in shaping operating philosophies, integrating engineered safety features, and driving cross-discipline decision-making to deliver a safe, efficient, and commercially competitive product.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineers to deliver complex design programmes.
• Define and optimise Reactor Island operating philosophies, constraints, and emergent behaviours.
• Ensure interoperability and Defence-in-Depth across safety features.
• Drive design integration and decision-making across systems and disciplines.
• Communicate design definitions and manage configuration control.
• Support verification and validation planning and evidence generation.
  
  

Selection Criteria

We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate most of the following:

• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical competence in Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) systems design and operations.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and deliver technical outputs to time, cost, and quality constraints.
• Experience in managing ambiguity and influencing stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Chartered or working towards chartership (IChemE, IET, IMechE) desirable
• Experience with nuclear plant design or operation, particularly PWRs.
• Familiarity with environmental, safety, security, and safeguarding principles (E3S), including ALARP and BAT.
• Knowledge of systems engineering tools and techniques (e.g., functional modelling, decision analysis).
  
  

Key Selection Criteria

• Nuclear Industry Domain Knowledge – PWR design, operations, and safety principles.
• System Design Development – Requirements management, operating principles, design documentation.

Programme Delivery – Risk management, milestone delivery, technical supervision.

Organisational Management – Coaching, team development, stakeholder engagement.

Pay And Benefits

We anticipate paying a salary of between £57,600- £74,500 (DOE) plus:-

• Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance - £2200, 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 join a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.

Location

We offer hybrid working opportunities with our offices located in Warrington, Derby or Manchester where you will be required to attend, the frequency will be discussed in the interview.

Selection Process

The process includes an introductory call with our Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by two interview stages. Due to nuclear industry regulations, additional screening will apply (BPSS, DBS, financial probity).

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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