Rolls-Royce SMR
Head of Structural Analysis

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Location:
Any of the Rolls-Royce SMR locations, Manchester, Warrington & Derby (Hybrid)
Our Mission
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new generation of clean, reliable nuclear power. Our innovative Small Modular Reactor technology will help meet growing global energy demand while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. We are bringing together exceptional people to solve complex engineering challenges and accelerate the delivery of sustainable energy solutions.
The Team
Structural Analysis is a critical function within our Engineering organisation, providing the capability that underpins the safety, integrity and performance of our reactor design. Reporting to the Chief Design Engineer for Components & Mechanical Equipment, this role leads a department of approximately 45 specialists and senior leaders, supporting major development programmes, site deployment activities and future fleet operations.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most strategically important engineering functions within Rolls-Royce SMR. You will be accountable for the delivery, development and long-term direction of Structural Analysis across the business, balancing programme delivery with capability growth while influencing engineering strategy, organisational priorities and regulatory confidence.
What We'll Need You to Do
- Lead and develop the Structural Analysis function, setting strategic direction for capability, resources and growth.
- Ensure successful delivery of Structural Analysis across development programmes and lifecycle phases.
- Provide enterprise-wide prioritisation across competing programme and business demands.
- Act as the senior authority for Structural Analysis, driving governance, quality and Design Authority maturity.
- Build and inspire a high-performing leadership team and culture of continuous improvement.
- Represent the function with senior stakeholders, regulators, customers and external partners.
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What You'll Bring
- Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) and a degree in an engineering discipline.
- Significant experience leading large engineering functions within complex, regulated industries.
- Proven success leading through senior managers and delivering results across sizeable organisations.
- Strong strategic leadership capability and experience influencing executive stakeholders.
- Technical credibility within Structural Analysis or related engineering disciplines.
- The ability to develop people, drive transformation and build sustainable capability.
Location
This role can be based from any Rolls-Royce SMR location with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available. Regular collaboration across Derby, Warrington and Manchester will be required, with occasional travel to other business and customer sites as needed.
What’s in It for You:
We anticipate paying a salary of between £85,600.00 - £115,800.00 DOE plus:
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 20%
- 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


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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.
Pay Range:
£85,600.00 - £112,350.00
Why Join Us?
- 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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