Manager – Core Design & Performance
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR, a forward‑thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation.
About the Role
Core Design ensures the SMR reactor core delivers safe, reliable and optimised performance. Core Performance integrates reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance to define reactor operation across all conditions.
Responsibilities
* Lead and drive development of reactor core performance across the SMR programme.
* Manage and develop a team of performance engineers (typically 5–10 people).
* Define and deliver programme plans, milestones and schedules for core performance activities.
* Provide technical leadership across reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance.
* Ensure robustness and validity of analysis methods, models and tools.
* Deliver performance analysis and support safety case development.
* Define and manage verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches.
* Establish and maintain quality assurance processes for analysis methodologies.
* Manage risks, opportunities and technical issues across your scope.
* Develop product cost estimates and manage technical performance attributes.
* Apply robust governance processes aligned to programme requirements.
* Engage with internal stakeholders, industry bodies and regulators.
* Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory standards.
Key Skills Required
* Strong experience in reactor core performance, reactor physics or thermal hydraulics.
* Deep understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operations.
* Knowledge of nuclear safety case development and UK regulatory practices, including E3S principles (ALARP, BAT).
* Experience developing and applying advanced analysis methods and numerical tools.
* Experience with core physics and thermal‑hydraulic modelling, including coupling of multi‑physics tools.
* Experience developing analysis methodologies aligned to recognised good practice.
* Familiarity with software development processes and quality assurance frameworks.
* Proven track record of delivering complex technical programmes to time and budget.
* Strong planning, organisation and risk‑management capability.
* Excellent technical communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Experience leading teams, developing people and managing delivery.
* Ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Qualifications
* Degree‑qualified in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline.
* Chartered Engineer (or equivalent).
* Proven experience delivering complex nuclear or safety‑critical engineering programmes.
Location
Hybrid working with primary site in either Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary & Benefits
Salary band: £63,600 – £83,500 (dependent on skills, values and knowledge). Benefits include:
* Performance‑related bonus up to 12.5%.
* Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum.
* Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
* 28 days holidays (plus public holidays) with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
* Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover.
* Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay.
* Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters.
EEO Statement
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 can thrive.
Application Process
Applicants required to complete BPSS clearance, DBS check and basic financial probity check.
Closing Date
Closing date for this role is 7th June 2026.
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