Senior Engineer - Commissioning Capability

Role Title: Senior Engineer – Commissioning Capability 

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. 

The Development Engineering organisation within Rolls-Royce SMR is accountable for supporting the development of the power station design and delivery, and for proving that the SMR power station design meets its objectives and requirements. 

As a function, Development Engineering has four capability areas: Research & Technology, Verification and Validation, Test, and Commissioning. Reporting to the Capability Senior Manager, function-based Capability Engineers are a crucial part of ensuring project delivery objectives can be met. The Capability Engineer is responsible for supporting the development and maintenance of the people, process and tools to support Commissioning delivery. 

About the Role 

As a Senior Engineer in Commissioning Capability, you will report to the Commissioning Capability Senior Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping how the Commissioning Organisation develops and is eventually implemented. 

You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Commissioning processes, methods, tools, and standards. In the short term these will be primarily used to support the design development of the Rolls-Royce SMR to ensure commissioning can be implemented safely and efficiently; in the longer term they will ensure readiness for implementation of commissioning on our projects. 

This role involves close collaboration with teams specialising in Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Verification and Validation, Construction, Operations, Supply Chain, Change & Configuration Management, Digital Systems, and more. 

We’ll Need You To: 

• Create and implement efficient, integrated processes, methods, tools, standards and guidance that enable RR SMR objectives and regulatory requirements to be achieved 

• Support design teams to ensure designs allow for safe and efficient commissioning 

• Support strategic resource planning (internal & external) to meet business needs and priorities 

• Work with specialists and/or other Capability Engineers to ensure technical excellence across development, supporting Project delivery teams to ensure cost/quality/schedule targets are met 

• Work with wider business stakeholders to ensure commissioning processes, methods and tools are efficiently integrated with the wider business and its needs 

• Support the delivery of technical quality and competency in commissioning and the supply chain 

Key Skills Required: 

We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you: 

• Direct experience of Commissioning on nuclear installations, particularly Pressurised Water Reactor systems, is highly desirable 

• Experience in development and implementation of Commissioning arrangements in the nuclear industry 

• Experience and understanding of nuclear licensing and its practical application 

• Experience commissioning mechanical/electrical/process/I&C/HVAC systems including application of written arrangements 

• Experience interfacing with system design on validation/substantiation against design requirements 

• Experience developing and continuously improving methods, tools, processes and personnel capability 

• Experience in creation, ownership and delivery of a departmental functional strategy 

• Proactive approach to challenging the status quo and continuous improvement 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to bring people together to solve problems in a multi-disciplinary environment 

• Able to effectively manage uncertainty and change, communicate complex topics clearly and influence stakeholders 

• A clear analytical approach and methodical work process 

• A systems-thinking mindset, including collaboration with multi-discipline teams to define and manage system requirements 

• Senior Engineers will drive quality across the wider team’s outputs through coaching and reviewing 

• Ability to conduct detailed technical reviews/checking of work with strong attention to detail and constructive feedback 

Location: 

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 £48,000–£63,000 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 further. 

Benefits include: 

• Bonus - Performance-related target opportunity 12.5% 

• Benefits Allowance - £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package 

• Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions 

• Holidays - 28 days (+ public holidays) with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days 

• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover 

• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay 

• Home Office Support - £250 one-off payment for new starters 

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, and a culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning. 

Selection Process: 

The closing date for this role is 8th February 2026. 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 by week commencing 16th February. 

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