Senior Engineer - Core Ancillaries

Senior Engineer – Core Ancillaries

Derby, Warrington or Manchester / Hybrid

£48,000 - £63,000 + 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 Senior Engineer - Core Ancillaries to be involved in a game changing role as we strive to make the nuclear industry more diverse.

The Senior Engineer - Core Ancillaries will work within the Core Components team to mature the technical solution and delivery programme for the Core Ancillary components scope and apply the necessary governance to all activities.

What we’re looking for

• Be technically accountable for developing solutions within the defined scope of Core Ancillary components.
• Provide expert domain knowledge of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) core components, such as Fuel Assemblies, Control Rod Assemblies, Neutron Source Assemblies, and Core Monitoring Equipment.
• Apply knowledge of product design, analysis, verification, manufacture, and in-service support for Core Ancillary components.
• Understand key reactor core characteristics and operating conditions, including fuel performance, core neutronics, thermal hydraulics, faulted conditions, and material irradiation effects.
• Develop and manage integrated programmes, interfacing with multiple teams to ensure delivery against an integrated plan.
• Manage ambiguity within the programme, working closely with leadership to provide clarity and direction.
• Support the strategic development of the Core Components approach and engage with key stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
• Lead and supervise a small team of engineers, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a positive team culture.
• Provide governance, assurance, and technical oversight to ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs.
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the business, including senior leadership, suppliers, regulators, and customers.
• Act as a key individual contributor, while managing stakeholder expectations and supplier engagements

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.

Key selection criteria for this role are:

• Significant experience in the design and development of PWR core components.
• Demonstrable experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning.
• Proven ability to deliver complex, integrated programmes with cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience in managing small engineering teams and influencing team growth.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of procurement processes for nuclear components and supply chain management.
• Ability to operate effectively in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive attitude.
• Willingness to travel between sites and engage with key suppliers on a national and international scale

Training & Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field.

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical field.
• Chartered Engineer status (or actively working towards).

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 £48,000 - £63,000 (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.