Head of Reactor Process Systems

Role Title: Head of Reactor Process Systems
Location: Flexible

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 Head of Reactor Process Systems, to be involved in engineering delivering an industry-leading, cutting-edge design project for a new type of power station.

As the Head of Reactor Process Systems, you will lead the design, integration, and delivery of key Reactor Island systems, including the Nuclear Steam Supply System, Nuclear Auxiliary Systems, Fuel Handling and Refuelling Systems, and Waste Management Systems. This is a senior technical leadership role where you ll guide multidisciplinary engineering teams, manage high-value supplier contracts, and ensure safety and technical excellence.

Job Purpose:

As the Head of Reactor Process Systems, you will be accountable for the development and delivery of robust, integrated technical solutions for nuclear reactor systems. You will lead the team and manage significant contracts to ensure the success of the programme. You will also engage with stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally, to guarantee that the reactor systems are designed to meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and performance.

Unique Selling Points of the Role / Team:

• Lead a dynamic and diverse team of up to 50 engineers, delivering high-impact nuclear systems
• Manage an annual budget of c.£15M and direct the strategic technical direction of reactor systems
• Shape and influence the future of energy by contributing to world-leading nuclear innovation
• Represent Rolls-Royce SMR in key industry forums and regulatory engagements, driving technical governance
• Drive the development of next-generation nuclear systems, shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future for energy production

Key Results & What Can Be Achieved in the Role:

• Lead and deliver complex nuclear design programmes within your scope of supply, ensuring timely and cost-effective outcomes
• Act as the subject-matter expert for reactor safety systems, driving the technical development and approval of safety cases
• Ensure the development of a high-performing team with robust capabilities to meet the challenges of the role
• Manage and mitigate risks, maintaining a clear view of programme milestones, costs, and quality
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team

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:

• Programme Delivery: Proven experience in leading complex nuclear design programmes and teams, managing contractors, and implementing best practices.
• Organisational Management: Extensive experience building and leading large engineering teams with a focus on coaching and diversity.
• Functional and Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of nuclear process and safety systems design, including UK regulatory frameworks, ALARP, and BAT principles.
• Technical and Programme Governance: Extensive experience in technical governance, including chairing technical reviews and managing compliance with engineering processes.

Pay and Benefits:

A highly competitive salary is on offer along with a performance-related bonus, a very attractive pension scheme, and private medical insurance. You will also receive a flexible benefits allowance enabling you to create a bespoke package to suit your needs.

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.

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

Your candidate experience is of the utmost importance to us. If you are not yet ready to apply but would like to discuss any of the above or require any reasonable adjustments (e.g. being able to apply in a different format), please contact arrange a confidential conversation with a recruitment partner.