About

Role: Manager - Reactor Island Operational Design Location: Warrington, Derby or Manchester, UK based hybrid Pay: £57,600- £74,500 About the Role Rolls-Royce SMR is seeking an experienced Manager – Reactor Island Operational Design to lead a team of system designers in developing and substantiating the operational and technical design of the Reactor Island. This is a pivotal role in shaping operating philosophies, integrating engineered safety features, and driving cross-discipline decision-making to deliver a safe, efficient, and commercially competitive product. Key Responsibilities: Lead and develop a team of engineers to deliver complex design programmes. Define and optimise Reactor Island operating philosophies, constraints, and emergent behaviours. Ensure interoperability and Defence-in-Depth across safety features. Drive design integration and decision-making across systems and disciplines. Communicate design definitions and manage configuration control. Support verification and validation planning and evidence generation. Selection Criteria We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate most of the following: Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience. Strong technical competence in Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) systems design and operations. Proven ability to lead engineering teams and deliver technical outputs to time, cost, and quality constraints. Experience in managing ambiguity and influencing stakeholders effectively. Excellent communication and technical writing skills. Chartered or working towards chartership (IChemE, IET, IMechE) desirable Experience with nuclear plant design or operation, particularly PWRs. Familiarity with environmental, safety, security, and safeguarding principles (E3S), including ALARP and BAT. Knowledge of systems engineering tools and techniques (e.g., functional modelling, decision analysis). Key Selection Criteria: Nuclear Industry Domain Knowledge – PWR design, operations, and safety principles. System Design Development – Requirements management, operating principles, design documentation. Programme Delivery – Risk management, milestone delivery, technical supervision. Organisational Management – Coaching, team development, stakeholder engagement. Pay and Benefits We anticipate paying a salary of between £57,600- £74,500 (DOE) plus:- 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 purchases 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 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. 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 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 for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 - 5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance. Your career journey At Rolls-Royce SMR, we don’t just want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand the ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s helping you obtain formal qualifications or pairing you with a mentor, Rolls-Royce SMR will provide you with a fulfilling career. Our Team | Rolls-Royce SMR Join our talent community We're always on the lookout for the best talent. If there isn't a role which is suitable for you now, you can Introduce Yourself.