Job Description Group Leader Special Purpose Machines - Submarines Full Time Derby We have an exciting opportunity for a Group Leader to join the Special Purpose Machines Team within the Rolls-Royce Submarines business. This is a great opportunity for you to get involved in all stages of product development, from feasibility and concept, through design, build, development, training and implementation, as necessary. You will have the chance to see your ideas become reality in a fast-paced environment, where your problem solving, and engineering skills will be challenged and developed. As part of the Services Delivery Business Unit, the Special Purpose Machines (SPM) Team develop bespoke repair, inspection and maintenance capabilities, against challenging constraints, in support of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet. SPM has developed a particular expertise in the design of portable cutting/dressing machines, compact material sampling equipment and inspection manipulators. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact within an interesting and exciting area of the business. What you will be doing You’ll be supervising the development of fit-for-purpose, innovative engineering solutions, from concept to implementation, against customer and governance requirements, whilst adhering to stringent time, cost and quality constraints. Lead the engineering activities within your Group. Undertake technical governance of engineering activities within your Group, as agreed with the Engineering Manager, delegating where appropriate. Programme manage and lead delivery of the assigned design and development activities, escalating major issues where necessary to the Engineering Manager. Support the Engineering Manager in managing the customer delivery expectations (progress updates, progress reporting, progress matrices, identifying dependencies, etc.). Manage risk associated with the Groups assigned design and development activities, escalating major items where necessary through the Engineering Manager. Oversee the performance of assigned staff, setting clear performance objectives and expectations that are aligned to business objectives. Ensure that assigned staff are suitably qualified and experienced in the activities they are performing and that training needs are identified and implemented. Manage and balance the load/capacity (resource management), in conjunction with the rest of the SPM Leadership Team, to enable robust commitment and delivery. In conjunction with the rest of the SPM Leadership Team, develop and implement future strategies in line with the relevant business objectives. Promote and ensure that a positive HS&E culture is maintained and that there are adequate systems in place to provide a safe working environment. Promote a lean and high-performance culture. Support/implement relevant business and departmental improvements and initiatives. Promote and demonstrate Company Leadership Values and Behaviours. Position Qualifications: Skills and experience in planning, risk management and requirements capture and management. Design and development experience, preferably bespoke special purpose machines, and the production of the associated technical documentation. An understanding of sound engineering principles, including design for manufacture, design for assembly and maintenance and health and safety. Familiarity with design tools/techniques and proficient in the use of CAD, ideally Siemens‑NX. A Mechanical Engineering related degree, or equivalent experience. For more than 60 years Rolls-Royce Submarines has designed, supplied and supported the nuclear propulsion plant, providing power for all UK Royal Navy nuclear submarines. To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines an individual must hold a Security Check clearance. We will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t already have it. Due to the nature of work we conduct, we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MoD approved cases, a dual national. Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too. Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive. Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role. Grade 8-10 Job Category Mechanical Systems Posting Date 05 Jan 2026; 00:01 Posting End Date 19 Jan 2026