Head of Reactor Mechanical Systems

Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - GBP 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear energy firm is seeking a Head of Reactor Mechanical Systems in Manchester. This senior role involves shaping the technical direction and leading a team of 50-60 engineers to ensure safe, high-performance reactor systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in engineering leadership and design programs within regulated environments, particularly in nuclear systems. This role is pivotal to delivering innovative clean energy solutions, contributing to a sustainable future for the UK.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

Flexible working environment

28 days holiday plus public holidays

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership of large multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proven experience in complex engineering design programs.
• Strong domain knowledge of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) design.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and process systems design across the Reactor Island.
• Develop and embed the reactor systems design delivery model.
• Chair technical and program governance reviews.

Skills

Leadership of engineering teams

Complex engineering design

Systems engineering

Engagement with regulators

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent

Tools

Nuclear systems knowledge

Job description

Head of Reactor Mechanical Systems page is loaded## Head of Reactor Mechanical Systemslocations: Manchestertime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR100041At Rolls‑Royce SMR, our mission is simple but ambitious: to deliver clean, affordable, secure energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology offers a British‑designed solution to a global energy challenge, supporting energy security, decarbonisation and economic growth. We are uniquely positioned to become a world leader in SMRs and one of the UK’s most exciting green‑export technologies of the future.We are currently looking for **Head of Reactor Mechanical Systems****The Team**You’ll join the engineering function responsible for delivering all mechanical and process systems central to the SMR — including reactor coolant, nuclear steam supply, auxiliary systems, fuel‑handling and waste‑processing systems. This team’s objective is to complete the RR SMR reactor systems design, ensure the delivery of robust technical evidence, and embed strong governance across design programmes. Your leadership will shape how the team delivers safe, reliable, high‑performance reactor systems for a first‑of‑a‑kind nuclear product.**Role Summary**This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the future of nuclear energy. In this role, you will set the technical direction for all Reactor Mechanical Systems, leading a department of ~50–60 engineers (with three direct senior manager reports). You will provide strategic and technical leadership across the design, safety justification and delivery programme. This role is essential in driving design maturity, ensuring regulatory robustness and enabling Rolls‑Royce SMR to bring a safe, reliable and world‑class SMR to market.**Key Responsibilities**You will be doing…* Leading the full scope of mechanical and process systems design across the Reactor Island.* Developing and embedding the delivery model that will enable completion of the reactor systems design.* Demonstrating control of the design programme, setting schedules, milestones and design‑progress metrics.* Chairing technical and programme governance reviews, ensuring engineering outputs meet quality, safety and regulatory standards.* Leading through managers, building capability, coaching senior leaders and enabling high‑performing teams.* Driving operational effectiveness and strengthening supplier/contractor performance.**The Impact**Your leadership will directly shape the delivery, safety and performance of a first‑of‑a‑kind nuclear reactor design. In this role, you will influence technical strategy, regulatory confidence, team capability and long‑term SMR programme success. You will help ensure that our mechanical systems deliver safe, efficient, decarbonised energy — contributing to one of the most important clean‑technology missions in the UK.**Essential Qualifications & Experience**We will need you to bring:* Demonstrated leadership of large multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, including leading through senior managers.* Proven experience delivering complex engineering design programmes within highly regulated environments.* Strong domain knowledge of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design, nuclear systems or equivalent complex systems.* Expertise in systems engineering, including requirements, verification & validation, configuration control.* Experience engaging with regulators (ALARP/BAT understanding is highly valuable).* Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent.**Location & Ways of Working**We offer hybrid working with offices in Derby, Warrington and Manchester. We are flexible on where you are based; however, due to the seniority and visibility of this role, we anticipate regular weekly attendance at one or more of our sites. Details can be discussed during the recruitment process.**Our Recruitment Process**The process will begin with an introductory call with your Talent Acquisition Partner and will be followed by 1st and 2nd stage interviews.**Pay and Benefits**We anticipate paying a salary between £85,600 - £105,000 Dependant on Experience* Bonus - Short Term Incentive - Performance Based- target opportunity 20%* Benefits Allowance - £8,500, 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 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#LI-MR1 #hybridworking #weareSMR #engineeringjobs #engineeringleadership**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