Role Title:
Senior Engineer – Fuel Handling
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.
The Reactor Island Systems team is responsible for delivering critical systems that ensure the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the SMR power station. The Fuel Handling System is central to this, supporting the lifecycle management of nuclear fuel through refuelling, storage and transfer activities.
About the Role:
As a Senior Engineer – Fuel Handling, you will take ownership of the Fuel Handling System within the SMR power station, supporting its progressive design and development through all stages of the programme.
You will lead the definition and integration of key systems including the refuelling pool, spent fuel pool, new fuel import system, cask loading system and dry cask storage system. Your role will be central to ensuring these systems meet safety, performance and regulatory requirements while supporting efficient plant operation.
Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will drive design development through formal technical and gated review processes, engaging with stakeholders and contributing to decision‑making at key programme milestones.
We’ll Need You To:
Lead the progressive design of the Fuel Handling System across the SMR programme
Deliver system design through Technical Reviews, Gated Reviews and Definition Reviews
Own system definition, requirements, assumptions and interfaces
Develop and manage system requirements within DOORS
Engage with stakeholders and support structured decision‑making processes
Produce concept‑level 2D and 3D CAD models to support design development
Develop non‑functional requirements and incorporate operational experience into design
Identify and integrate innovative concepts and engineering solutions
Manage interfaces across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Mentor and support junior engineers and contingent workers
Identify and manage risks, assumptions and opportunities within your scope
Support delivery of high‑quality design outputs to agreed timescales
Key Skills Required:
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:
Strong background in mechanical system design and development
Solid understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies
Experience in fuel handling, mechanical handling or remote handling systems
Experience owning and delivering system‑level design packages
Understanding of nuclear industry requirements and design constraints
Experience working within regulated or safety‑critical environments
Ability to define and manage system requirements and interfaces
Experience contributing to design reviews and gated development processes
Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking skills
Good communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders
Ability to mentor and support other engineers
Location:
Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:
Derby, Manchester or Warrington
Salary and Package:
The salary band for this role will be between £50,650 – £66,500 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and the role may develop further as the programme grows.
Benefits include:
Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the 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
Selection Process:
The closing date for this role is 21st June. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.
Pay Range:
£50,600.00
-
£66,465.00
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
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