Onsite
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.
Rolls‑Royce SMR is pioneering a new generation of clean, affordable nuclear energy through its Small Modular Reactor technology. As the UK’s preferred SMR vendor, we are driving innovation to support global net‑zero goals, energy security and industrial decarbonisation. Joining us means working at the forefront of advanced engineering, shaping sustainable energy solutions with real‑world impact.
The Core Design department is responsible for ensuring the reactor core meets all relevant design and safety limits, while delivering the performance, capability and economic objectives expected from a world‑class SMR.
As a Lead Engineer – Core Design & Performance, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring the technical integrity, safety and performance of the SMR reactor core.
You will lead the development of core modelling and analysis methodologies and provide technical leadership across complex, multidisciplinary core design challenges. This includes reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance, ensuring a coherent and integrated approach to core design and analysis.
You will act as a key technical authority within the organisation, articulating the fuel and core safety case position, engaging with regulators and external stakeholders, and shaping the long‑term capability of the Core Design function.
This is a high‑impact role where your work will directly underpin the safety, performance and commercial success of the SMR programme.
We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:
Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:
Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
The salary band for this role will be between £63,600 – £83,500 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the seniority and technical leadership responsibility of the role.
Benefits include:
The closing date for this role is 7th June 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.
Pay Range:
£60,000.00-

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
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