Senior Engineer - Test Thermal Hydraulics

Role Title: Senior Engineer and Engineer - Test Thermal Hydraulics

Location: Derby, Manchester or Warrington UK based hybrid

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 Senior Engineer and Engineer - Test Thermal Hydraulics

Are you ready to be at the forefront of engineering innovation? Our Development Engineering organisation plays a pivotal role in proving that our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power station design meets its ambitious objectives and rigorous requirements. We're not just shaping the future of nuclear engineering-we're driving a major infrastructure project that spans thermal-hydraulics, mechanical systems, controls & instrumentation, environmental science, and materials & chemistry.

Reporting to the Manager - Test Delivery for the area, the Senior Engineer - Test Delivery will play an important role in delivering the technical design and thermal hydraulic analysis associated with thermal hydraulic testing. This includes delivering thermal hydraulic scaling assessments to determine how phenomena behave at scale, working closely with plant design engineers and technical specialists from across the engineering team.

A key part of the Senior Engineer's role will be to coach other Engineers, develop the team's capability, and provide technical reviews of their outputs. They will also act as an intelligent customer with the Supply Chain team to establish and build relationships with external suppliers and partners for project execution.

We welcome applications from engineers with varying levels of experience, from those with practical engineering experience to highly experienced engineers with significant steam, fluid, or mechanical testing expertise. Salary is commensurate with experience and skill.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Test Programmes: Skilled in delivering design projects from concept to detailed definition, including test planning, documentation, risk management, and communication.
• Thermal Hydraulics: Experienced in thermal hydraulics under steady-state and transient conditions-including single and two-phase flows-with knowledge of scaling effects, computational modelling (e.g., lumped capacitance, FDM, CFD), and familiarity with industry standards, especially in nuclear PWR systems.
• Communication and Influence: Analytical, methodical, with a systems-thinking approach and experience working in multi-disciplinary teams to define and manage system requirements.
• Technical Coaching and Reviewing: Responsible for delivering high-quality work, coaching team members, conducting technical reviews, and providing constructive feedback.

Salary ranges:

• Engineer: £40,000 - £52,500 DOE
• Senior Engineer: £48,000 - £62,500 DOE

Plus benefits including performance bonuses, a flexible benefits allowance, pension contributions, holiday entitlement, private medical insurance, life assurance, and a one-off payment for home office setup for new starters.

About Rolls-Royce SMR:

Rolls-Royce SMR combines the prestige of the Rolls Royce brand with a dynamic start-up environment, contributing to the planet's sustainability. Our power stations will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy, enough to power a million homes, supporting renewable energy integration.

Our Culture:

We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. Join us to help shape this inclusive environment.

Application Process:

Applicants will need to undergo additional screening due to nuclear safety regulations, including BPSS clearance, DBS check, and financial probity check.