Nuclear Reactor Systems Engineer Verification & Validation

Nuclear Reactor Systems Engineer (Verification & Validation)

Make a difference with a world class company

As part of the rapid growth of Rolls–Royce SMR Ltd, an exciting opportunity has arisen for talented engineers to join its Development Engineering organisation to drive the design Verification and Validation programme.

The role of Nuclear Reactor Systems Engineer (Verification and Validation) role provides a unique opportunity to work on the development of a new nuclear power station design that will contribute to the global reduction of carbon emissions. The role could be based out of Rolls–Royce SMR's Derby or Warrington offices, with opportunities for hybrid working.

About Rolls–Royce SMR:

Rolls–Royce SMR is a new business, specifically created to design, construct and deliver a new fleet of Small Modular Reactor power plants that will play a key role on the race to Net Zero, as well as providing energy security. Created through Rolls–Royce's passion for engineering excellence, this is an exciting new business which expects to become a leading player in the future of energy.

Rolls–Royce SMR has a start–up mentality, with a high performing team that drives for pace, efficiency and innovation in everything they do – and will provide a rewarding career for those who want to be bold, and create a legacy.

About the Role:

You will be leading the thinking on the Verification & Validation of part of the power station's reactor island design. This could be on the reactor systems or components, or on supporting systems such as the nuclear mechanical/fuel handling, or waste treatment systems. There will also be opportunities to get exposure to other areas of the plant if you want to broaden your knowledge.

Rolls–Royce SMR's approach to Verification & Validation is based on Systems Engineering principles, which have been proven worldwide in delivering highly complex products. Using these principles, you will work with design specialists to develop verification strategies that set out the activities needed to show the design meets its requirements. You will also be involved in work to validate the requirements and oversee the wider programme of verification activities, such as analysis tasks.

In some areas, physical testing will be required, and you will be responsible for defining clear test objectives, and supporting a test IPT to deliver the test programme. For some types of test, you might be responsible for leading the programme from start to finish yourself, working with some world–leading testing/research laboratories. The role provides a rare and exciting opportunity to get a broad overview of some of the key technical challenges in delivering a new nuclear power station.

About You:

You will have:

• Degree–level qualifications in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• Become professionally recognised through an appropriate professional body, or be working towards it.
• Design/verification experience in the field of Nuclear Reactors – eg. Reactor safety systems, thermal–hydraulic performance, fuel/mechanical handling, waste systems. You might have been involved in system design, requirements generation/assurance, or verification/validation activities such as analysis, testing etc.

• A Systems Thinking mind–set, and experience of using Systems Engineering principles to solve complex problems
• A proactive, positive attitude, with the desire and ability to learn fast, challenge the status–quo, and make a difference.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to bring together an interdisciplinary team to solve a problem, and to distil complex technical topics into simple forms.
• Experience of working with regulatory bodies such as the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency (EA) – though this is desirable rather than essential.

Key Responsibilities of the Role will be:

• Defining and managing the design Verification Strategy for Reactor Island parts of the power station, using own knowledge and bringing together the expertise that exists across the wider engineering team.

• Applying technical knowledge to act as an Intelligent Customer when discussing methods of verification with design engineers and vendors.
• Specifying requirements for verification activities within the strategy, including rig tests and analyses, and confirming these tasks with the relevant parties.
• Supporting test programmes that provide verification evidence; for example defining the objectives/requirements for a test, or leading a project of laboratory–style testing.
• Ensuring all verification activities undertaken, whether internally or within the supply chain, are conducted to a high standard
• Collating verification evidence as it is produced and using it to assess design compliance to requirements

Benefits and Work Conditions:

• A highly competitive salary is on offer along with a performance related bonus.
• A range of flexible benefits are available to choose from, enabling you to create a bespoke package to suit your needs.
• Travel: the location of work can be either Derby or Warrington.
• Flexible working / hybrid and remote working patterns are available with agreement.
• Working hours are 37.5 hrs per week with some additional hours as and when required.
• Rolls–Royce SMR are an equal opportunities employer.

For further information on this opportunity, please contact Molly Brown on or email Alternatively, please apply directly using the "Apply" option below.