Lead Engineer - Reactor Internals Product Substantiation

Lead II - Reactor Internals Product Substantiation
Derby, Warrington or Manchester / Hybrid
£58,000 - £75,600 + Excellent benefits

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.

We are now recruiting for the exciting role of Lead II - Reactor Internals Product Substantiation, a critical technical leadership role within our Nuclear Equipment team. You’ll be leading the development, integration and substantiation of reactor internals components, playing a central role in our product delivery programme.

What we’re looking for

As Lead II - Reactor Internals Product Substantiation, you’ll:

• Provide subject matter expertise on Reactor Internals, including Fuel Assemblies, Control Rod Assemblies, and associated in-core monitoring equipment.
• Lead and deliver the strategic direction for component verification and analysis across your scope, including test programmes and verification/validation evidence.
• Integrate substantiation strategy with wider product delivery demands and cross-functional teams.
• Lead a team of engineers, managing capability development, technical quality and delivery performance.
• Define the methodologies and maturity progression for component verification, ensuring alignment with product development lifecycle and risk-reduction needs.
• Manage supplier engagements and act as the technical customer for external and internal verification teams.
• Deliver high quality outputs, technical governance, and review processes within scope.
• Contribute to the growth and capability development of the Nuclear Equipment team, driving excellence in people, process and tools.

Key selection criteria for this role are:

• Deep technical knowledge of PWR Reactor Internals and experience with component design, analysis and verification.
• Extensive expertise in mechanical component analysis and rig test programme development.
• Proven ability to define, lead, and deliver complex component verification strategies across full product lifecycle.
• Strategic thinker with the capability to embed long-term substantiation capability across teams.
• Experience in leading and developing engineering teams, applying structured governance and assurance processes.
• Ability to communicate and build relationships across engineering, programme, supplier and customer functions.
• Willingness to travel across UK and internationally to support supplier and partner engagements.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But well let you in on a secret: theres 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.

Training & Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field.
- The candidate will be a Chartered Engineer or demonstrate actively working towards achieving this, and also hold a degree level qualification in a relevant technical topic area.
Applicants without a degree who can nevertheless demonstrate suitable knowledge and experience may also be considered.

Pay and Benefits

We anticipate paying a salary of between £58,000 - £75,600 (DOE) plus:-

• Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 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

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

The recruitment process for this vacancy is being handled by Morson Talent, an official recruitment partner to RR SMR. By applying to this vacancy you are consenting to have your personal information shared with Morson Talent. Your details will only be handled in conjunction with RR SMR opportunities.

Your candidate experience is at the utmost importance to us. If you are not yet ready to apply but would like to discuss any of the above or require any reasonable adjustments (e.g. being able to apply in a different format), please contact Emma Godfrey to arrange a confidential conversation with a recruitment partner.