Lead Engineer Test Mechanical

Role: Lead Engineer - Test Mechanical
Location: Warrington, Derby or Manchester
Salary: £57,000 - £75,600 + Excellent benefits

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.

Are you ready to be at the forefront of engineering innovation? Our Development Engineering organisation plays a pivotal role in proving that our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power station design meets its ambitious objectives and rigorous requirements. We're not just shaping the future of nuclear engineering—we're driving a major infrastructure project that spans thermal-hydraulics, mechanical systems, controls & instrumentation, environmental science, and materials & chemistry.

Reporting to the Manager - Test Delivery for the area, the Lead Engineer - Test Mechanical will be the technical lead for fluid mechanical interactions testing and support the design and delivery of various test programmes, including testing such a flow induced vibration. They will do this by working closely with plant design leads and technical specialists from across the power station engineering team.

Throughout the test design lifecycle, a key part of the Lead Engineer - Test Mechanical's role will be to coach other Engineers, to develop the team's overall capability and to provide technical review of the team's outputs. They will also act as an intelligent customer with the Supply Chain team to establish and build relationships with external suppliers and partners for the execution of projects.

Particularly useful is knowledge and experience in flow induced vibration and/or vibration analysis. We welcome applications from experienced engineers with significant experience in a regulated industry, particularly in the fluid mechanical interactions. Salary within the band advertised is commensurate to experience and skill.

Key results and achievements:

• Robust experimental data / evidence / capability which duly meets customer's needs (e.g. design development, safety case, operations, verification or plant operator).
• Effective leadership and coordination of test projects across their business area (inc. supply chain, suppliers, design, verification, HS&E etc.) to efficiently deliver high value projects.
• Uses and improves best practice to managing technical interfaces between their own department and other functions within the business to ensure that, by working together, we produce a coherent and efficient technical solution.
• Drives synergy across the business area to ensure the efficient delivery of high quality output that meets business needs.

Key selection criteria:

Test Programme Expertise
Proven experience in defining, planning, and executing test programmes that deliver critical design development, verification, or validation evidence—ideally including scaled or sub-element testing.

Mechanical Engineering Knowledge
Strong understanding of mechanical systems and components, including vibration analysis, material properties, and manufacturing techniques. Experience in pipework and installation design is advantageous.

Design and Documentation Skills
Ability to develop design solutions from requirements through to detailed definition, including the production of engineering calculations, test specifications, and technical drawings.

Systems Thinking and Risk Awareness
Demonstrated systems engineering mindset with a methodical approach to problem-solving and an appreciation of risk management principles in complex engineering environments.

Communication and Leadership
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, lead multidisciplinary teams.

As we strive to find the best fit for this position, we are seeking individuals with a minimum level of experience, training, and qualification. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as the 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Pay and benefits

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 purchases

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. Find out more about our inclusion pledge.
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
The recruitment process for this vacancy is being handled by Morson Talent, an official recruitment partner to RR SMR. By applying to this vacancy you are consenting to have your personal information shared with Morson Talent. Your details will only be handled in conjunction with RR SMR opportunities.

Your candidate experience is at 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 (url removed) to arrange a confidential conversation with a recruitment partner
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