Ref 447 Department Engineering - CSA Installation & Modular Integration Location Derby, Manchester, Warrington Employment type Full-time Salary £57,600 - £75,600 Closing date 29/08/2025 Role related
Role Title: Principal Engineer - Civil & Structural
Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington
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.
We are now recruiting for the exciting role of Principal Engineer - Civil & Structural, to be involved in industry leading, cutting-edge design project for a new type of power station.
The Principal Civil and Structural Engineer will act as a senior technical leader for the project, responsible for the development, integration, and assurance of civil and structural engineering solutions for the generic design. The candidate will support the RI Lead Civil & Structural Engineer with the technical oversight of the Reactor Island design. This role is central to ensuring that the design is technically sound, constructible, compliant with regulatory requirements, and aligned with programme objectives.
Daily activities will include:
* Leading the development and review of design deliverables.
* Providing technical guidance to internal teams and external suppliers.
* Participating in multi-disciplinary coordination and interface resolution.
* Supporting construction planning and constructability assessments.
* Mentoring junior engineers and contributing to team development.
Expected deliverables include:
* Fully assured design packages.
* Technical input to design reviews, risk assessments, and construction strategies.
* Interface management documentation and resolution plans.
* Contributions to regulatory submissions and stakeholder engagements.
Key interactions will span:
* Internal design and engineering teams.
* Supply chain partners and contractors.
* Regulatory bodies and external stakeholders.
* Project management and construction planning teams.
Unique selling points of this role:
* Opportunity to shape the technical direction of a nationally significant nuclear infrastructure programme.
* High visibility and influence within a flagship UK energy project.
* A collaborative, technically excellent environment with strong career development pathways.
Key Results & What can be achieved in the role
Short-Term (0 –6 months)
* Functional: Complete technical reviews of baseline design, identifying key risks and opportunities.
* Individual: Establish strong working relationships with the Chief Design Engineer, project teams, and key stakeholders.
* Time-Based: Deliver initial design assurance reports and interface plans on schedule.
* Cost Saving: Identify early-stage design efficiencies or potential constructability improvements with cost benefit opportunity.
Medium-Term (6–18 months)
* Functional: Deliver fully assured civil and structural design packages aligned with challenging project milestones.
* Individual: Lead successful design reviews and interface coordination meetings.
* Time-Based: Actively support procurement activities and establish a strong presence across wider project teams through consistent technical leadership and collaboration.
* Cost Saving: Contribute to design optimisations that construction time, or lifecycle costs.
Long-Term (18+ months)
* Functional: Ensure successful transition of design into construction with minimal rework or design change.
* Individual: Be recognised as a technical authority and mentor within the team and wider organisation.
* Time-Based: Support construction phase with ongoing technical input and issue resolution.
* Profit/Value: Demonstrate measurable impact on project delivery performance through technical leadership and innovation.
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.
Key Selection Criteria
Leading and delivering complex programmes, managing medium/large teams, and providing clear leadership of a programme and budget.
* Experience in a design management/leadership position, managing circa 20+ people, and managing a budget of circa £3-5m per annum.
* Demonstrable team leadership.
* Proven experience of implementing best practice methods and new ways of working, whilst leading and coaching a diverse team.
* Experience of managing project and technical metrics and attributes to ensure target performance.
Civil and Structural Design Expertise
* Demonstrable design and team leadership experience in similar applications, as part of civil and structural engineering capability.
* Extensive experience of developing design solutions in regulated industries, this is likely to include dealing with seismic, blast, fire, pipe whip and other internal and external hazards.
Nuclear Infrastructure physical design integration experience
* Demonstrable experience of nuclear infrastructure / site development and integration in relation to interfaces with civil engineering systems, structures and components.
Client engagement and supplier / partner management
* Develop and build effective relationships with clients and provide guidance to the companies selection and management of a civil engineering delivery partners.
Team Leadership and Mentoring
* Experience of leading teams and fostering an excellent working environment where physical and mental health, trust, collaboration and fun are key priorities.
Mandatory Training & Qualification Requirements
* Professionally qualified Engineer, CEng (Chartered Engineer) or equivalent.
* BEng, MEng, MSc (or other national equivalent) in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Earthquake Engineering.
* 10+ years of hands-on experience in detailed seismic analysis and design within nuclear, petrochemical, or other similarly regulated industries.
* Proven track record of leading seismic engineering projects and delivering compliant, safety-critical solutions.
Pay and benefits
We anticipate paying a salary of between £57,600 - £75,600 DOE plus:-
* Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
* Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, 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
Company related
We are Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer because it blends the world-class brand of Rolls Royce with an exciting start-up that has a hugely challenging mission. We’re doing work that contributes to the survival of the planet. Because of our mission, there’s a pace and energy that is palpable, and our leaders draw you in with their passion, energy, and determination.
We’re one of a handful of employers who can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation – our people are here because of what makes them great, and our job is to help them make the best contribution of their careers doing work they love.
The start-up mentality coupled with our strengths-approach to people means there are opportunities to grow in ways and jobs you probably would be barred from doing in more traditional companies.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years, helping to support the roll out of renewable generation and overcome intermittency issues
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.
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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