Lead Welding Engineer - Heavy Pressure Vessels

Lead Welding Engineer

Location: Derby, Manchester or Warrington with Hybrid Working Available
 

About Rolls‑Royce SMR

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re delivering a new generation of nuclear power that’s safer, cleaner and more affordable. Our work supports the transition to low‑carbon energy while creating long‑term, high‑value engineering careers. Collaboration, integrity and technical excellence sit at the heart of everything we do.

The Opportunity

We need you to join our growing Operations team as a Lead Welding Engineer, playing a critical role in shaping and delivering high‑integrity welding capability across our Small Modular Reactor programme.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence welding strategy across internal manufacturing, the site factory and the external supply chain, while acting as a technical authority and trusted advisor across the business.

What We Need You To Do

• Lead the design, development, qualification and justification of welding techniques for nuclear pipework and components
• Define and influence the welding strategy across Rolls‑Royce SMR, including internal facilities and the supply chain
• Act as an intelligent customer for all welding activities, ensuring safety, quality and regulatory compliance
• Support design for weldability, including standardisation across plant areas
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory Authorities, suppliers and Commissioning teams
• Provide expert technical guidance across the business on welding and special processes
• Support supplier development activities, including occasional international travel

What Success Looks Like

• Welding processes are robust, compliant and ready to support nuclear build
• Clear, justified welding strategies aligned with ASME BPVC and UK nuclear expectations
• Strong collaboration across engineering, manufacturing and the supply chain
• Confidence from regulators and internal stakeholders in welding capability and governance

We’re looking for someone who can bring:

• Strong experience developing and qualifying high‑integrity welding techniques in a regulated industry (nuclear, oil & gas or similar)
• Practical knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III & IX and structural integrity requirements
• A deep commitment to product safety, quality and regulatory compliance
• Experience influencing projects, suppliers and stakeholders without direct authority
• The ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly and pragmatically
• Knowledge and Experience with Heavy Pressure Vessels.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Professional welding qualifications (e.g. IIW / EWF Welding Engineer)
• An engineering qualification (minimum HND / Foundation Degree)
• CEng, IEng or MSc in Welding Engineering (desirable)

If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you meet around 75%, we still want to hear from you.

We offer a competitive reward package including:

• Salary: £63,000 - £83,550
• Benefits allowance: £2,200
• Bonus opportunity: 12.5% On Target Opportunity
• Pension: 12% Employer Contribution
• Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary
• Income protection: 50%
• Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
• New joiner payment: £250
• Flexible and part‑time working options available

We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. Flexible, hybrid and part‑time working options can be discussed to support work‑life balance.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape welding capability for a next‑generation nuclear programme, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us build the future of clean energy.

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
 

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