Lead Engineer – Verification & Validation Capability
Hybrid working with one of the following locations as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington
We anticipate paying a salary between £57,600‑£65,000 DOE. We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry – a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.
Development Engineering Overview
The Development Engineering organisation is responsible for proving that the SMR power station meets its objectives and requirements. We provide the data and evidence that underpin the design and delivery of the power station through robust verification and validation (V&V), testing, demonstration, commissioning, and research programmes. This work spans not only nuclear engineering but also the broader range of engineering and operational disciplines required to deliver a major infrastructure project.
Key Capability Areas
* Research & Technology
* Verification & Validation
* Test
* Commissioning
About the Role
As a Lead Engineer in V&V Capability, you will report to the Senior V&V Capability Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping how V&V is performed across the programme. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of processes, methods, tools, and standards that enable effective design verification and product validation. While V&V Delivery Engineers focus on the “what, when, and why,” you will own the “how” – ensuring technical excellence and integration across the business.
This role involves close collaboration with Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Change & Configuration Management, Performance & Analysis, Test and Commissioning teams.
What Success Looks Like
* Leadership in Process Development: Drive the creation and implementation of efficient, integrated V&V processes, methods, tools, and standards that achieve programme objectives.
* Technical Excellence: Act as a V&V focal point, ensuring quality and safety across V&V and Development Engineering. Work with SMEs and capability engineers to support project delivery within cost, quality, and schedule constraints.
* Business Integration: Collaborate with stakeholders to embed V&V processes and tools seamlessly into the wider business.
* Supply Chain Assurance: Ensure technical quality, competency, and safety requirements are met across the Development supply chain, delivering right‑first‑time outcomes and zero harm.
* Strategic Resource Planning: Support planning for internal and external resources to meet business priorities.
What We’re Looking For
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:
* Verification & Validation Expertise – Proven experience in developing and applying V&V principles and managing V&V data throughout the project lifecycle, with experience in one or more of the following being desirable:
o International V&V Standards, including ISO15288 “Systems and software engineering. System life cycle processes”
o International Atomic Safety Agency (IAEA) Safety Standard, SSG‑69 Equipment Qualification for Nuclear Installations
o Electric Research Power Institute (EPRI) Nuclear Power Plant Equipment Qualification Reference Manual
o Environmental, Safety, Security and Safeguarding (E3S) regulations and principles, including application of As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) and Best Available Technique (BAT) principles
* Capability Development – Ability to design and improve processes, tools, and standards. Experience in one or more of the following is desirable:
o ALM tools such as IBM DOORS and Siemens Polarion and ALM tool coding languages such as DXL and Python.
o MBSE tools such as Capella and Enterprise Architect.
o Azure DevOps.
o Power BI, PowerPivot, PowerQuery and DAX.
* Communication & Influence – Skilled at engaging stakeholders and driving alignment.
* Systems Engineering Knowledge – Understanding of requirements, interfaces, and lifecycle management.
* Mentoring & Leadership – Experience guiding teams and developing talent.
* Typically a degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience along with being a Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
Salary And Package
* Salary between £57,600‑£65,000 DOE
* 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
Why Join Us
* 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
Thank you for your interest in Rolls‑Royce SMR. We look forward to hearing from you.
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