Design Engineer – Hazard protection

Location: Warrington, Derby or Manchester (Hybrid working)

Our Mission

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we are delivering clean, affordable and secure nuclear power to support the UK and global transition to net zero. Our Small Modular Reactor programme combines proven nuclear technology with modern engineering, manufacturing and digital delivery to create a world‑class energy solution with long‑term societal impact.

The Team

You will join the Reactor Plant Systems function within the Hazard Protection capability. The team is responsible for defining and integrating hazard protection measures and Service Condition Control Measures (SCCMs) across the plant as the programme progresses through detailed design and licensing. You will work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment alongside civil, structural, architectural, systems, safety, C&I and human factors engineers.

The Role

As a Design Engineer – Hazard protection, you will support the development and delivery of engineering solutions that protect the power station against internal and external hazards. You will play an important role in shaping hazard‑informed design decisions and ensuring protection measures are robust, proportionate, and fully integrated into the overall plant design.

What We’ll Need You To Do

• Develop hazard‑informed design concepts to protect structures, systems and components
• Support engineering optioneering, trade‑off studies and design decision making
• Develop, manage and allocate hazard protection and SCCM requirements
• Work across disciplines to ensure design solutions are integrated and deliverable
• Produce high‑quality engineering outputs including design definitions and substantiation
• Support technical workshops, interface management and design integration activities
• Identify and manage technical risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies
• Apply robust governance, configuration control and design assurance processes
• Support regulatory and licensing interactions
• Work in accordance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements

What You’ll Bring

• Experience delivering engineering work in a regulated or high‑hazard environment
• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent practical experience
• Awareness of internal and external hazards and their implications for plant design
• Experience or interest in hazard protection measures or safety‑significant environments
• Understanding of systems engineering principles and requirements management
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder engagement capability
• A proactive, collaborative mindset and comfort working with ambiguity

Location

This role can be based in Warrington, Derby or Manchester, with hybrid working available. Flexible and part‑time working arrangements can be considered to support work‑life balance.

What’s In It For You

We anticipate paying a salary of between £42,000 - £52,500.00 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
• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
• £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases

You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying, but there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you.

We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety-critical industries.

Pay Range

£42,000.00

£55,125.00

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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