Senior System Design Engineer - Reactor System

Location: Hybrid UK based - Warrington, Derby or Manchester

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy crisis. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.

The Reactor System team is responsible for design and development of all mechanical, fluid and safety process systems across the Reactor Island. This includes, but is not limited to, the design of the Reactor Core, Reactor Coolant and Inventory Management Systems, Passive Safety Systems, Waste Management and Fuel Handling Systems.

Responsibilities

In this context, we are looking for a Senior System Design Engineer - Reactor System to support the Manager of the Core Systems group, and be responsible for the design development of the Reactor System. This will include:

• Technically lead and drive the Reactor System design programme
• Develop "best practice" design solutions to ensure a robust, low cost, high quality design
• Provide technical supervision, guidance and coaching across the design team and maintain a continual improvement culture
• Author and/or technically check high quality design outputs to underpin system design development, to agreed timescales
  
  

This is a pivotal, high-profile role within our team, and would like you to bring a collaborative mentality, technical leadership and first-class communication skills to our business, as well as

• A sound knowledge of nuclear reactor systems design and operations
• A demonstrable record of delivery of complex system design programmes
• Chartered status (or immediately qualifying for chartership) with a relevant institution, such as the IChemE, IOP, IET or IMechE.
  
  

(A full role description is available, please reach out to Alex Jordan, TA Manager at Rolls Royce SMR, via LinkedIn, for a copy)

Pay And Benefits

• Salary depending on the role starting from £53,800-£66,500
• Flexible location and working arrangements
• A performance related bonus of up to 12.5%,
• An attractive pension scheme with 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
• You will also receive a flexible benefits allowance of £2,200, enabling you to create a bespoke package to suit your needs.
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holiday) with ability to buy additional days.
• BUPA personal health cover
• £250 one-off cash allowance on joining to spend on your home-office set-up
  
  

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