Assistant Chief Design Engineer

Role: Assistant Chief Design Engineer Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester Our mission Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, positioning the UK to become a world leader in SMRs and a premier exporter of green nuclear technology. The team Our high performing Civil & Structural Engineering team underpins the physical delivery of the SMR, owning all of the above and below ground structures and infrastructure that define the power station. The team balances regulatory rigour with innovation, developing repeatable, modular design solutions that enable safe, scalable nuclear deployment across the UK and internationally. The role In this context, we are seeking an Assistant Chief Design Engineer – Civil & Structural Engineering, reporting to the Chief Design Engineer and acting as a senior leader and technical authority within the civil and structural discipline. Leading and influencing a team of 75+ engineers, this role is responsible for the team delivering on time, on budget, to the highest possible technical standards - all of this whilst holding the teams wellbeing as the number one priority. This is a high profile role within our business and the success candidate will operate across the full engineering lifecycle — from concept design through substantiation, manufacture, construction, assembly, operation, and decommissioning. The role plays a central part in delivering integrated civil and structural solutions across both the generic SMR development programme and site‑specific projects, working closely with senior delivery leaders to manage technical risk, resolve strategic challenges, and coordinate complex cross‑functional interfaces across the wider nuclear design and delivery organisation. What we’ll need you to do We’ll need you to: Provide senior‑level technical leadership and governance for all civil and structural engineering activities, chairing reviews and acting as a decision‑making authority on complex, high‑risk issues Lead, inspire, motivate and develop large teams, ensuring safe, high‑quality delivery against programme, cost, and schedule commitments Drive integration across engineering and non‑engineering disciplines, managing interfaces between structures, plant systems, construction, and site development Work across our business to drive initiatives related to procurement, supply chain, legal industrialisation and more relating to civil and structural engineering Shape and support civil and structural safety cases, engaging confidently with nuclear and environmental regulators, industry bodies, clients, and suppliers to secure design acceptance and implementation Why this role matters This is a highly visible and influential leadership role, requiring strategic judgement, credibility, and resilience. You’ll be comfortable operating in a developing business, navigating ambiguity, evolving requirements, and international growth, while setting direction and standards for a critical engineering capability. What you’ll bring A degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering and Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Fellow status, or equivalent, with ICE or IStructE Significant experience delivering civil and structural engineering within highly regulated industries and major infrastructure or energy programmes Deep technical expertise across reinforced concrete and steel design, ideally including nuclear applications and exposure to international codes and standards Experience we’ll explore together, including leading safety case development, regulatory engagement, programme governance, and senior stakeholder influence Location & flexibility We offer flexible working arrangements with travel supported as necessary. Our office are in Derby, Manchester and Warrington but we want to hear from candidates from all locations, as we have a number of ways to support hybrid working. Regular travel to UK offices and project locations will be required to support collaboration and delivery. What’s in it for you We anticipate paying a salary of £85,600 to £108,400 Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 30% Benefits Allowance – £8,500 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 Selection process & inclusion Our process includes an initial conversation with Talent Acquisition, followed by technical and leadership interviews. Due to the nature of our work, all offers are subject to BPSS clearance, DBS checks, and financial probity screening. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. Flexible working is supported, and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and employment. Confidence can sometimes hold us back — but there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. If you meet around 75% of the requirements, or are considering a move from a related sector with transferable skills, we’d love to hear from you. 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 We are Rolls-Royce SMR A career with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future. We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls-Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents. Our culture At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge. Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture. 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 can thrive. What we offer At Rolls-Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 - 5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance. Your career journey At Rolls-Royce SMR, we don’t just want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand the ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s helping you obtain formal qualifications or pairing you with a mentor, Rolls-Royce SMR will provide you with a fulfilling career. Our Team | Rolls-Royce SMR Join our talent community We're always on the lookout for the best talent. If there isn't a role which is suitable for you now, you can Introduce Yourself.