Rolls-Royce SMR
Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers

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Role: Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers Location: 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. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology. The Team The Heat Exchangers team sits within the Plant Equipment function, which forms part of the wider Components & Mechanical Equipment organisation. The team is responsible for delivering the design, development, and technical maturity of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station. You will join a collaborative and diverse team of engineers, combining deep technical expertise with emerging talent. The team operates across multiple UK locations and works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders including systems, manufacturing, supply chain, and analysis teams to deliver complex engineering solutions. The team is currently focused on supporting critical programme milestones including Generic Design Assessment (GDA), Reference Design development, and future Design Acceptance Reviews. The Role We are looking for a Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers to report to the Manager – Heat Exchangers. You will play a key role in the design and development of multiple heat exchanger systems across the SMR plant, contributing to both generic design development and site-specific adaptations. You will support the maturity, integration, and delivery of heat exchanger designs, working within a structured governance and quality framework to meet challenging programme, technical, and regulatory requirements. What We’ll Need You to Do Deliver the design and development of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station Contribute to requirements capture, equipment selection, and thermal/mechanical sizing Support lifecycle activities including manufacture, verification, and safety case inputs Work to established governance, standards, and quality processes Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation Support programme delivery, including key milestones such as Reference Contribute to cost and value engineering activities Engage with internal and external stakeholders Resolve technical challenges and balance competing requirements Demonstrate flexibility and contribute across the engineering lifecycle What You’ll Bring Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline Experience in heat exchanger or similar equipment design Strong preference for mechanical design experience Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (ASME, TEMA, EN13445, PED/PSSR) Experience with tools such as HTRI, Aspen EDR, or similar (desirable) Awareness of CFD methods (advantageous) Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills Demonstratable experience in a similar role Location & Ways of working: This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You will be expected to attend a UK office location as required to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery. What’s in It for You: We anticipate paying a salary of between £42,000 - £52,500 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. Selection Process The selection process will consist of staged interviews. Due to the nature of the role, successful candidates will be required to complete: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Basic financial probity checks 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 #LI-SZ1 #hybridworking #engineeringjobs #weareSMR 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. 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