Lead Engineer - Materials Analysis

Location Hybrid with flexibility to work from any Rolls-Royce SMR location, including Derby, Warrington and Manchester

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new era of clean energy through the development of world-class Small Modular Reactor technology. Our ambition is to provide affordable, low-carbon electricity that supports energy security, drives economic growth and helps accelerate the transition to a net-zero future. Joining us means contributing to one of the most significant engineering programmes in the UK and helping shape our future of nuclear energy.

You will join our Materials & Chemistry function, a specialist team responsible for providing the materials expertise that underpins the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. Working alongside design, structural analysis, structural integrity and wider engineering teams, you will play a key role in solving complex technical challenges and supporting the continued maturity of the reactor design.

As Lead Engineer – Materials Analysis, you will provide technical leadership in the development and application of materials analysis methods, tools and software that support the evolution of the Rolls-Royce SMR design. You will assess material performance, derive engineering data, evaluate degradation mechanisms and develop analytical approaches that inform critical design decisions while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvement within the team.

• Lead the development, validation and deployment of materials analysis tools, methodologies and software that support design development and engineering decision-making.
• Assess material behaviour, performance and degradation mechanisms, providing robust technical evidence to support structural and functional requirements across the programme.
• Collaborate closely with design, structural analysis, structural integrity and wider engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions to complex technical challenges.
• Provide technical leadership and direction across materials analysis activities, ensuring work is executed to a high standard and aligned with programme priorities, governance requirements and applicable codes and standards.
• Represent Materials Analysis within multidisciplinary project teams, technical reviews and stakeholder discussions, communicating complex engineering concepts in a clear and effective manner.
• Coach, mentor and develop engineers within the team while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance capability, efficiency and engineering quality.

• A degree in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, alongside professional registration or a desire to work towards it.
• Strong experience applying materials science principles to engineering challenges, including material selection, performance assessment, property derivation and lifecycle considerations.
• Experience developing or applying analytical tools, software and data models, with knowledge of Python, MATLAB, FORTRAN or similar programming environments.
• An understanding of material degradation mechanisms and environmental effects on material performance, ideally gained within the nuclear sector or another highly regulated industry.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering codes, standards and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to apply sound engineering judgement to complex technical problems.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with strong communication skills, a commitment to technical excellence and a passion for supporting the development of others.

We anticipate paying a salary of between £63,600.00 - £83,500.00 DOE plus:

- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5% Benefits Allowance - £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions. Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days. Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office…