Role Title: Senior Engineer – Core Design and PerformanceWe 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 Core Design team is responsible for ensuring the SMR reactor core operates within defined safety limits while delivering optimal performance and economic efficiency. This includes supporting shutdown margins, DNBR limits, fault response, fuel‑cycle optimisation and load‑following capability.About the Role:As a Senior Engineer – Core Design and Performance, you will play a critical role in the development, analysis and performance substantiation of the SMR reactor core.You will develop and apply neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic models to assess core behaviour across steady‑state operation and transient conditions, supporting both design development and safety case justification. Your work will directly underpin environmental, safety, security and safeguards (E3S) requirements, as well as plant performance and economic outcomes.You will contribute to the development of analysis methodologies and tools, including verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches. The role will also involve investigation of core‑related fault scenarios, supporting robust safety cases and regulatory engagement.Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate closely with engineering, safety and performance teams to deliver integrated solutions, while managing interfaces and contributing to programme delivery.We’ll Need You To:Develop and refine neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic models of the reactor coreDeliver technical analysis across core physics, kinetics and thermal‑hydraulics disciplinesAssess steady‑state and transient core performance, ensuring compliance with safety limitsSupport evaluation of core‑related fault sequences and plant behaviour under fault conditionsDevelop and implement methodologies for core analysis and modellingEstablish verification, validation and uncertainty quantification requirements for analytical modelsProduce high‑quality technical assessments supporting safety, environmental and economic performanceDeliver work packages in line with programme governance, including planning, risk management and reportingDevelop integrated task plans and manage risks, issues and opportunitiesMonitor progress and report against technical and programme milestonesEngage with internal stakeholders, customers and regulators to resolve technical queriesManage interfaces with other engineering functions across the SMR programmeEnsure compliance with nuclear safety, export control and regulatory requirementsSupport and mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and coachingKey Skills Required: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 experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysisUnderstanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operating principlesKnowledge of nuclear safety case development, regulatory practices and E3S principles (including ALARP and BAT)Experience with analysis tools for core physics, kinetics or sub‑channel analysisExperience developing or using analysis tools such as CMS, VIPRE, CTF, S5 or similar (or equivalent transferable tools)Experience in developing pre‑ and post‑processing tools, ideally using PythonUnderstanding of software development processes and quality assurance frameworksProven ability to deliver complex technical work packages to time, cost and qualityStrong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage dependencies and prioritiesAbility to identify and manage technical risks and drive resolutionStrong technical writing and communication skills, including engagement with stakeholdersExperience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teamsAbility to coach, mentor and support the development of junior engineersQualifications:A strong academic background with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a closely related disciplineTypically 5+ years’ experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysisExperience in analysis scripting or data processing tools (e.g. Python)Location:Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:Derby, Manchester or Warrington.Salary and Package:The salary band for this role will be between £53,700 – £70,500 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, and the role may develop further as the programme grows.Benefits include:Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke packagePension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributionsHolidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 4 daysPrivate Medical Insurance – BUPA single coverLife Assurance – 6× pensionable payHome Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new startersSelection Process: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:£50,600.00Why 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 ProcessDue 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) clearanceSatisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checkSatisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check#LI‑CE1 #LI‑Hybrid #WeAreSMR #destinationnuclear
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