Mechanical Design Engineer

Role Title - Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Hybrid working with one of the following as a primary site: Derby, Warrington or Manchester

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 the exciting role of Mechanical Design Engineer, to be involved in industry leading, cutting-edge design project for a new type of power station.

The role is suited to a degree qualified Mechanical Design Engineer (or equivalent) with experience who will be responsible for the design and delivery of the SMR Containment structural components. You will work within a core team responsible for the delivery of critical path components with significant number of system and component interfaces. The role will involve developing and understanding technical and through-life requirements of systems, structures, and components (SSCs), performing optioneering studies to determine optimal design, manufacturing, and construction solutions in keeping with the SMR modular build philosophy.

Reporting to the Manager - Containment of Components, this role will be responsible for autonomously leading packages of technical work, as well responsible for engaging and collaborating with stakeholders and supply chain partners to achieve a single integrated solution.

Key Results & Achievements

• Successful development and technical leadership of design solutions for the Rolls-Royce SMR
• Rolls-Royce SMR Design Process revolves around a Definition Review (DR) governance process that assesses the functional design development of systems, structures, or components via staged DR gates. Success will be measured by achieving staged DR gate approval within the agreed project delivery timescales.
• Contribution to Rolls-Royce SMR Generic Design Assessment approval.

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.

Key Selection Criteria:

• The role will require design experience in some or all the following areas:
  • Nuclear industry, or other highly regulated industry.
  • Nuclear and non-nuclear industrial doors.
  • ASME Design Codes.
  • Pressure Vessels and Systems, including piping components and ancillaries.
  • Manufacturing Processes (Welding, Machining, Metal Forming Techniques, Forgings).
  • Heavy Manufacturing.
  • Design for Manufacturing of Fabricated Assemblies. 
  • Design for Through-life Operation, Testing, Inspection, Repair, and replacement of Large Fabricated and Mechanical Assemblies. 
  • A knowledge of Structural integrity methodology and assessment. 
  • Materials behaviour and through life degradation.
• A knowledge of UK regulatory expectations and safety case methodology gained in the nuclear industry. 
• Experience in the development of design solutions from the initial concept through to detailed design definition, including experience of implementing trade-off/optioneering studies to ensure an optimum solution is produced. Experience in taking concepts through detailed design and bringing them to manufacture and installation/construction.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate competence with the application of codes and standards through design, safety case engineering, requirements management, systems engineering methods, and verification and validation.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and supply chain partners for sub-contracted work packages, to achieve a single integrated solution that ensures the containment vessel (and supporting components) meets the needs of interfacing systems as well as other factors arising from environmental, safety, security and Safeguarding (E3S), in line with Relevant Good Practice (RGP). Experience devising and implementing supply chain strategies, including identifying suppliers, supplier surveillance, supplier down-selection and managing subcontracted packages of work.
• Experience proactively and autonomously leading packages of technical work. Good communication skills required to clearly present key design decisions and design reviews in line with Rolls-Royce SMR design process.
  • Authorising and checking of technical and project documentation (Statement of Work, Request for Information/Proposals, Design Reports, Design Requirements, Calculations etc.)

We are Rolls-Royce SMR

Rolls-Royce SMR is a rare employer because it blends the world-class brand of Rolls Royce with an exciting start-up that has a hugely challenging mission. We’re doing work that contributes to the survival of the planet. Because of our mission, there’s a pace and energy that is palpable, and our leaders draw you in with their passion, energy, and determination.

We’re one of a handful of employers who can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation – our people are here because of what makes them great, and our job is to help them make the best contribution of their careers doing work they love.

The start-up mentality coupled with our strengths-approach to people means there are opportunities to grow in ways and jobs you probably would be barred from doing in more traditional companies.

Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will have the capacity to generate 470MW of low carbon energy, equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years, helping to support the roll out of renewable generation and overcome intermittency issues

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.

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