Engineer - Test Delivery (Thermal Hydraulics)

Role Title: Test Delivery Engineer (Thermal Hydraulics)  

We are Rolls-Royce SMR and we're doing something that's never been done before. We're revolutionising an industry. That's a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy. 

We are now recruiting for a Test Delivery Engineer be involved in delivering an industry leading, cutting-edge design project for a new type of nuclear power station.  

About the role:

The Development Engineering organisation is accountable for proving that the SMR power station design meets its objectives and requirements. It is also accountable for providing data and evidence to support the development of the power station design and delivery through the execution of tests, demonstration and research and technology programmes. This encompasses not just the domain of nuclear engineering, but the broader range of engineering and operations functions necessary to deliver a major infrastructure project.

Our test rig programmes provide verification and validation data across a wide spectrum of the engineering disciplines, including thermal-hydraulics, mechanical, controls & instrumentation, environmental and materials & chemistry. 

Our demonstrator programmes provide design development, verification and production capability development for modularisation covering engineering and operations aspects. 

Our test facilities programmes cover the planning, delivery and management of facilities to support the development of the power station design and operation. 

Reporting to the Test Delivery Manager for the area, the Test Delivery Engineer will play an important role in delivering the technical design of thermal hydraulic test rigs including fluid systems design. They will undertake design activities for various test programmes, such as for passive thermal hydraulic safety systems test rigs. They will do this by working closely with plant design engineers and technical specialists from across the power station engineering team.  

For this role we welcome applications from people with varying levels of experience from good engineers who can apply their practical experience to more experienced engineers with experience steam, fluid or mechanical testing. Salary within the band advertised is commensurate to experience and skill. 

It would also be preferable (but not required) to have some experience in controls and instrumentation, particularly related to fluid or steam testing. 

We’ll need you to:

• Work as part of integrated project teams to deliver one or more test projects within the Rolls Royce SMR Development organisation. 
• Act as an intelligent customer, collaborating with the Supply Chain team to build strong relationships with external suppliers and partners for project execution. 
• Develop robust test designs to generate experimental data and evidence that meets customer needs, including design development, safety cases, and operational requirements.
• Manage technical interfaces and requirements to ensure coherent, efficient technical solutions that align with business objectives. 

This is a key role within our group, and you’ll bring a collaborative mentality, project management focus and first-class communication skills to our business. You will be able to effectively manage uncertainty and change, communicate complex topics clearly and concisely and influence both internal and external stakeholders. 

Key Skills Required:

• Experience in designing and executing test programmes, producing technical documentation, and communicating design concepts effectively 
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, manage budgets, schedules, and resources, ensuring quality and safety standards 
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and ability to build effective supplier and customer relationships 
• Demonstrated systems-thinking approach, analytical mindset, and experience working in multi-disciplinary teams 

Location:

We offer hybrid working with one of the following locations as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington 

Salary and Package:

The salary band for this will be between £42,000- £55,150 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and, in due course, there is the potential for you to develop the role & progress further. 

We also offer excellent benefits including: 

• 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 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. 

Selection Process:

The closing date for this role is  8th March. The process will then consist of an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, and we  anticipate  shortlisting and first round interviews to take place shortly after.

#LI-CE1 #LI-Hybrid #WeareSMR #destinationnuclear  

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