Manager – Core Design, Performance

Rolls-Royce SMR

. Lead and drive development of reactor core performance across the SMR programme .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeDerby • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £63,600 - £83,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in reactor core performance, reactor physics, and thermal hydraulics, with a strong focus on safety case development and compliance with regulatory standards. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex engineering programmes, and apply advanced analysis methods effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Reactor Core PerformanceNuclear Safety Case DevelopmentThermal HydraulicsTeam LeadershipRisk Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Nuclear EngineeringReactor PhysicsThermal-Hydraulic ModellingAdvanced Analysis MethodsNumerical ToolsQuality Assurance FrameworksProgramme PlanningVerification and ValidationCost EstimationMulti-Physics Tools

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationStakeholder EngagementPlanningOrganisationCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Chartered EngineerBPSS ClearanceDBS CheckFinancial Probity Check

Industry Keywords

Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)HSE ComplianceE3S PrinciplesALARPBAT

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and drive development of reactor core performance across the SMR programme
Manage and develop a team of performance engineers, typically 5–10 people
Define and deliver programme plans, milestones and schedules for core performance activities
Provide technical leadership across reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance
Ensure robustness and validity of analysis methods, models and tools
Deliver performance analysis and support safety case development
Define and manage verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches
Establish and maintain quality assurance processes for analysis methodologies
Manage risks, opportunities and technical issues across the scope
Develop product cost estimates and manage technical performance attributes
Apply governance processes aligned to programme requirements
Engage with internal stakeholders, industry bodies and regulators
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree-qualified in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline
Chartered Engineer or equivalent
Proven experience delivering complex nuclear or safety-critical engineering programmes
Strong experience in reactor core performance, reactor physics or thermal hydraulics
Deep understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operations
Knowledge of nuclear safety case development and UK regulatory practices, including E3S principles (ALARP, BAT)
Experience developing and applying advanced analysis methods and numerical tools
Experience with core physics and thermal-hydraulic modelling, including coupling of multi-physics tools
Experience developing analysis methodologies aligned to recognised good practice
Familiarity with software development processes and quality assurance frameworks
Proven track record of delivering complex technical programmes to time and budget
Strong planning, organisation and risk-management capability
Excellent technical communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Experience leading teams, developing people and managing delivery
Ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
BPSS clearance required
Satisfactory DBS check required
Satisfactory basic financial probity check required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Performance-related bonus target opportunity up to 12.5%
£2,200 per annum benefits allowance for a bespoke package
Pension: 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
28 days holiday plus public holidays
Ability to buy or sell up to 4 holiday days
Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
£250 one-off Home Office Support payment for new starters
Flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment
Opportunities for career growth
Continuous learning culture