Head of Mechanical Equipment

Head of Mechanical Equipment Engineering – Reactor Components & Mechanical Equipment Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Manchester, Derby or Warrington Our mission Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor 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 Components and Mechanical Equipment function is fundamental to realising our SMR design. We define, integrate and govern the mechanical systems at the core of the reactor and power station, ensuring technical integrity, safety and industrial readiness as the programme scales. The role In this context, we are looking for a Head of Mechanical Equipment, reporting to the Chief Design Engineer – Components and Mechanical Equipment. Leading a department of around 60 engineers and acting as the CDE’s delegated authority, this role provides senior technical and leadership accountability for a critical part of the SMR programme. It is a high‑profile role with real influence over technical direction, delivery outcomes and team capability. What you’ll be responsible for We’ll need you to provide senior leadership across the technical, programme and people dimensions of Mechanical Equipment, including: Acting as delegated design authority, leading technical governance, risk and programme reviews Directing the development and delivery of mechanical systems including plant, commodity and support equipment Owning product development and delivery plans, milestones, risks and opportunities Managing engineering change, substantiation and safety case delivery in line with regulatory expectations Leading, developing and scaling a large multidisciplinary engineering organisation Working closely with projects, operations and the supply chain to support industrialisation strategy Why this role matters This is a pivotal leadership role within Engineering, requiring confidence, credibility and judgement. You’ll balance strong technical understanding with strategic and commercial awareness, influencing decisions across the business and helping shape the long‑term success of the SMR programme. What we’re looking for Degree‑qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline) and Chartered Engineer or equivalent Proven experience leading large engineering teams and delivering complex, safety‑critical systems We’ll ask about your experience providing technical authority, governing design, and leading through ambiguity in regulated environments Backgrounds from nuclear, aerospace, defence, oil & gas or similar sectors are well suited, though transferable experience is welcomed. Location & ways of working We offer hybrid and flexible working. You’ll be expected to attend one of our offices in Manchester, Derby or Warrington regularly, aligned with programme and business needs. What’s in it for you We offer a competitive senior leadership salary and benefits package, including bonus, pension and private medical cover. You’ll have real influence, long‑term career opportunities, and the chance to lead within one of the UK’s most significant clean‑energy programmes. Selection process The process will include an initial conversation with our Talent Acquisition team followed by two interview stages. Due to the nature of the role, BPSS clearance, a DBS check and basic financial probity screening will be required. Our commitment to inclusion We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to inclusive and supportive recruitment practices and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying. There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate — if you meet around 75% of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from those considering a sector move and bringing transferable skills. 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.