Senior Manager – Core Performance

Rolls-Royce SMR

Senior Manager overseeing reactor core performance at Rolls-Royce SMR. Leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in thermal hydraulics, fuel performance, and simulation capabilities for SMR design.

Posted 6/17/2026full-timeDerby • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSenior💰 £71,000 - £93,200 per yearWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

nuclear engineeringreactor core designthermal hydraulicsfuel performanceanalytical method developmentengineering governanceconfiguration controlsafety case substantiationcomplex engineering programmescontinuous improvement

Soft Skills

leadershipcoachingcapability developmentstakeholder engagementinfluencing skillscollaborative approachproactive approachproblem-solvingdecision-makingteam management

Tools & Technologies

core physics codesthermal hydraulics codessimulation toolsanalysis toolscontract management systemsengineering documentation systemsregulatory compliance toolsproject management softwareconfiguration management toolssupplier management systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Chartered Engineerengineering degree

Industry Keywords

nuclear regulatory frameworkssafety case developmentALARPBAT principlesengineering best practicesfuel developmentmultidisciplinary engineeringprogramme milestonesquality assurancesafety standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and deliver core performance activities across design, analysis, and simulation
Define and implement the technical strategy for core thermal and fuel performance, including analytical method development
Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing leadership, coaching, and capability development
Own delivery of programme milestones, ensuring outputs meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements
Oversee and govern technical outputs, including safety case substantiation and design documentation
Manage key supplier and vendor relationships, including fuel development and analysis contracts
Establish and maintain robust engineering governance, configuration control, and best practice processes
Engage with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external partners to support programme progression
Identify and resolve complex technical and programme challenges, driving continuous improvement across the function

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer (or equivalent)
Significant experience in nuclear engineering, with strong expertise in reactor core design, thermal hydraulics, or fuel performance
Proven track record of leading complex engineering programmes and delivering against challenging milestones
Experience managing large teams (10–30+ people) and developing high-performing engineering organisations
Strong understanding of nuclear regulatory frameworks and safety case development (e.g. ALARP, BAT principles)
Experience working with advanced simulation and analysis tools (e.g. core physics or thermal hydraulics codes)
Demonstrable experience managing suppliers, contracts, and external technical delivery
Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and align stakeholders at all levels
A collaborative, proactive approach with the ability to drive decisions in a complex, evolving programme
Passion for innovation and continuous improvement in a highly regulated engineering environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 17%
Benefits Allowance – £5000 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 purchases