Senior Manager – Core Design

Location: Flexible (UK – with regular travel to Derby, Warrington and Manchester) Our Mission At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are transforming the future of clean energy. Our small modular reactor technology will provide affordable, low-carbon power at scale, supporting global decarbonisation and energy security. We are building a world-class engineering capability to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes. The Team You will join our Nuclear Core Engineering function at a pivotal stage of growth. The Core Design team sits at the centre of reactor development, responsible for the integrated design of the reactor core and its performance. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 30 engineers and analysts, through a layer of experienced managers, within a wider core organisation of approximately 60 specialists. The team works closely with systems engineering, safety, and wider reactor design teams to deliver complex, high-integrity engineering solutions. The Role As Senior Manager – Core Design, you will lead the development and integration of reactor core design solutions, ensuring technical excellence, programme delivery, and regulatory compliance. Operating at the intersection of design, analysis, and systems engineering, you will shape how requirements are defined, evaluated, and realised across the reactor core. With accountability for both technical direction and programme governance, you will play a key role in influencing strategic decisions and ensuring delivery of a robust, licensable design. What We’ll Need You to Do Lead large multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver core design and analysis programmes Define and drive integrated reactor core design solutions, including physics analysis and system-level optimisation Establish and manage design requirements, ensuring robust verification and validation Own technical governance, including review, validation, and approval of engineering outputs Develop and manage programme plans, milestones, and delivery schedules Oversee supply chain technical delivery, including external analysis contracts Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements Chair technical and programme governance forums including risk and design reviews Drive continuous improvement in engineering methods and ways of working Build, develop and coach high-performing teams What You’ll Bring Degree in a relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) Proven experience leading large engineering teams (10–30+ people) Strong background in nuclear design, reactor core design, physics analysis or similar Experience delivering complex engineering programmes in regulated environments Systems engineering awareness, including requirements management and integration Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks and safety case development (ALARP, BAT) Experience managing external partners and technical delivery contracts Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder influencing skills Collaborative, proactive and delivery-focused mindset What’s in It for You We anticipate paying a salary of between £71,000 - £93,200.00 DOE plus:- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 17% Benefits Allowance – £5000 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: £71,000.00 - £93,187.50 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 #chemistry #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. If there isn't a role which is suitable for you now, you can Introduce Yourself.