Role : Analyst – Core Design and Performance
Locations: Manchester, Derby, Warrington, UK based hybrid
Pay: £40,000 - £52,500 DOE
Role Overview
Join Rolls-Royce SMR as an Analyst – Core Design and Performance and play a key role in shaping the future of nuclear energy. Our Core Design team ensures that the RR SMR reactor core meets stringent design and safety limits while optimising performance for plant capability and economic efficiency. You will develop and refine neutronic and thermal-hydraulic models, implement advanced analysis methodologies, and deliver technical assessments that underpin safety, security, and economic performance.
Analysts and engineers perform a range of tasks including:
* Develop and refine neutronic and/or thermal hydraulic models of the core.
* Development, quality assurance and optimisation of core analysis methods (eg data evaluation and integration, optimisation of data flows, coupling and multi-physics integration of codes, application of AI and quantum computing methods)
* Implementation of methodologies for appropriate use of codes and methods.
* Delivering technical analysis across physics, kinetics and/or thermal hydraulics disciplines.
* Producing assessments underpinning environment, safety, security and safeguards (E3S) principles and the economic performance of the plant.
* Establish verification, validation and uncertainty quantification requirements for core methods.
Key Selection Criteria
We're looking for candidates with:
* Academic Background: Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
* Experience in reactor physics and/or thermal hydraulics analysis.
* Technical Skills and behaviours:
o Knowledge of PWR design and operations, nuclear safety case, and regulatory practices.
o Knowledge of Environmental, Safety, Security and Safeguarding (E3S) regulations and principals (including application of As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) and Best Available Technique (BAT) principals).
o Proficiency in tools such as CMS, S5, VIPRE, CTF, S5K.
o Strong Python scripting for pre/post-processing analysis.
o Excellent planning and organisational skills.
o Clear technical communication and reporting.
o Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively in a team.
Pay and Benefits
We anticipate paying a salary of between £40,000 - £52,500 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
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