Reactor System Design Engineer

Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear technology firm in the UK seeks Reactor System Design Engineers to design and develop critical systems for its innovative Small Modular Reactor technology. You'll play a key role in ensuring safety and performance excellence in a hybrid work environment, collaborating across various engineering disciplines. Applicants should have relevant engineering backgrounds and an understanding of nuclear safety principles. Competitive salary between £40,000-£52,500, along with a comprehensive benefits package, is offered to successful candidates.

Benefits

Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%

£2200 benefits allowance

12% employer pension contributions

28 days holiday

Private Medical Insurance

6x pensionable pay life assurance

£250 for home office purchases

Qualifications

• Familiarity with nuclear plant operations.
• Understanding of reactor cooling and safety systems.
• Experience with requirements management methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop reactor systems for safety and efficiency.
• Collaborate on complex engineering challenges.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Nuclear safety principles

Understanding of PWR design

Fluid systems design

Requirements development

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

Relevant engineering degree

Tools

Systems engineering tools

P&IDs

Job description

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, Rolls‑Royce SMR is driving innovation to support global net-zero goals, energy security, and industrial decarbonisation. Joining the team means working at the forefront of advanced engineering, shaping sustainable energy solutions with real-world impact.**The role**We are looking for Reactor System Design Engineers.As we advance through detailed design and licensing, we’re expanding our Reactor Plant and Systems team with talented Reactor System Design Engineers at all levels of experience. This is your chance to work on cutting-edge technology that will power a sustainable future.**The Team** Our department is at the heart of innovation designing and developing the mechanical, fluid, and safety systems that make up the Reactor Island. From reactor core and coolant systems to passive safety, hazard protection, HVAC, and fuel handling, you’ll play a vital role in creating solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental responsibility.You will contribute to:* Transforming concepts into reality through detailed system design and robust safety justifications.* Driving performance excellence with evidence-based assessments and through-life operating principles.* Collaborating across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver world-class engineering.**Key Role Criteria:**Nuclear Industry Knowledge* Understanding of nuclear safety principles (E3S, ALARP, BAT).* Familiarity with nuclear plant operations and Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design.Systems Engineering Expertise* Experience with systems engineering tools (functional modelling, optioneering).* Skilled in requirements development and management (REDV framework).* Ability to manage functional interfaces.Process/Mechanical Systems Design* Knowledge of reactor core, steam raising plant, inventory management, HVAC, waste processing, and fuel handling systems.* Chemical processing and auxiliary systems (including gasses, water)System Design Development* Proficiency in fluid systems design (equipment sizing, specification).* Ability to develop design requirements, operating principles, and technical documentation (P&IDs, design reports).**The Impact**The aim of this role is to design and develop critical reactor systems that form the backbone of Rolls-Royce SMR technology, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Your impact on the business will be profound, driving technological innovation, guaranteeing adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards, and building the engineering capability needed to deliver clean, affordable energy to the world.**What’s in it for you** We anticipate a salary of £40,000-£52,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring.We also offer excellent benefits including:* Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%* Benefits Allowance - £2200, 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 purchasesYou’ll join a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.**Location**We offer a flexible hybrid working model, with offices located in Manchester, Derby, and Warrington. The frequency of office attendance will be discussed and agreed during the interview process**Selection Process** The process includes an introductory call with our Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by two interview stages. Due to nuclear industry regulations, additional screening will apply (BPSS, DBS, financial probity).#engineeringjobs #nuclearenergy #rollsroycesmr #weareSMR #hybrid #LI-MR1You’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 checkReactor Systems Engineer**We are Rolls-Royce SMR**A career with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future. We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls-Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents.**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.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 can thrive.**What we offer**At Rolls-Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed