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.
The Reactor Island Plant and Systems function is responsible for delivering safe, resilient and technically robust system designs across the SMR. This includes a wide range of safety‑related plant systems such as internal and external hazard protection, containment systems, severe accident mitigation systems, passive safety systems, nuclear steam supply systems, residual heat removal and inventory management systems.
As a Lead Engineer – Safety Systems and Hazard Protection, you will lead multi‑disciplinary engineering workstreams to deliver high‑quality, technically justified and regulatory‑aligned system designs for safety‑critical areas of the RR SMR. You will drive technical direction, support key decision‑making, develop design methodologies and act as a technical authority for your assigned domain.
You will lead engineers in producing robust design documentation, support optioneering activities, develop and manage system requirements, and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, security and safeguarding (E3S) expectations. You will play a major role in shaping systems as they transition from concept into detailed design, working closely with plant systems engineers, safety case specialists, analysts and external stakeholders.
This role requires strong systems‑engineering thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to manage complexity, ambiguity and cross‑functional interfaces in a fast‑paced technical environment.
Lead the technical delivery of complex design workstreams across safety and hazard protection systems
Drive system architecture definition, option development, down‑selection and justification
Ensure system requirements are captured, managed and satisfied through structured verification and validation
Develop high‑quality design documentation including design descriptions, P&IDs, technical specifications and design justification reports
Support development of methodologies and processes that influence cross‑functional engineering practices
Act as the technical authority for your domain, guiding decision‑making and ensuring design alignment with programme objectives
Provide technical supervision, coaching and leadership to systems engineers across the design team
Resolve complex technical challenges and serve as the go‑to subject matter expert for your area
Manage risks, opportunities and dependencies across the assigned systems scope
Support design configuration control and ensure adherence to governance processes
Represent RR SMR in regulatory discussions and support licensing activities
Collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure integration and design consistency
Drive a culture of continuous improvement in system design, quality and engineering practice
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:
Strong understanding of nuclear industry domain principles, ideally including PWR design, reactor operation and behaviour
Knowledge of environmental, safety, security and safeguarding regulations, including ALARP and BAT principles
Experience developing and managing system design requirements in a regulated engineering environment
Strong systems engineering capability including functional modelling, decision analysis, equipment sizing and system substantiation
Experience developing system operating philosophies, P&IDs, design documentation and definition under change control
Ability to lead complex engineering programmes, manage milestones and deliver to time, cost and quality
Experience managing risks, interfaces and multidisciplinary engineering challenges
Strong communication skills including technical writing, stakeholder engagement and presentation of complex information
Demonstrated experience providing leadership, coaching and technical oversight to engineering teams
Ability to influence across multiple functions and collaborate effectively across disciplines
Degree‑qualified in a relevant engineering or science discipline, ideally Chartered or working towards Chartership
We welcome applicants from across the nuclear, defence, power generation, aerospace and other safety‑critical sectors.
Hybrid working with one of the following locations as your primary site:
Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
The salary band for this role will be between £60,000 - £78,750 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility in exceptional cases, and there is potential for future progression within the role.
Benefits include:
Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity 12.5%
Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
Home Office Support – £250 payment for new starters
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, and a culture that values diversity, collaboration and continuous learning.
The closing date for this role is 21st 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-
£78,750.00
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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