Expert – Core Performance

• Significant experience in nuclear core physics, core design or core performance, with a strong track record in delivering complex engineering work within a regulated environment.
• Deep technical expertise across reactor performance disciplines, including thermal hydraulics, kinetics and core modelling, with an understanding of safety and operational constraints.
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline (Physics, Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering), ideally with Chartered status or equivalent professional recognition.
• Experience in developing or applying advanced analytical methods and tools, alongside an understanding of regulatory expectations within the nuclear sector.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to a range of stakeholders including senior leaders and regulators.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking approach, with the credibility to lead technically while enabling high-performing teams.

What's in it for you
We anticipate a salary of £71,000.00 - £93,200.00 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring.

We also offer excellent benefits including:

• Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 17%
• Benefits Allowance - £5000, 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

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are pioneering the deployment of affordable, low-carbon nuclear power to support global energy security and net-zero ambitions. Our Small Modular Reactor programme is designed to deliver scalable, cost-effective clean energy solutions, helping governments and industries transition to a more sustainable future.

• Lead and deliver core performance analysis across reactor physics, kinetics and thermal hydraulics, ensuring outputs are robust, high quality and aligned to programme milestones.
• Act as a recognised technical authority, providing governance, assurance and expert judgement to solve complex engineering challenges within a regulated nuclear environment.
• Drive the development and enhancement of analytical methods, tools and computational models to continuously improve capability and maintain technical excellence.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure effective integration of core performance within the wider plant design.
• Support regulatory activities, including GDA, by providing clear, credible technical input and responding to regulator queries.
• Mentor and guide engineers across the function, building capability and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Location: Hybrid (UK - Warrington, Derby or Manchester)

This role offers flexible and hybrid working, with time spent across our key UK locations including Warrington, Derby or Manchester. We support flexible working arrangements to help balance personal and professional commitments.

This is a senior technical authority position where you will lead and influence the development of reactor core performance capability across a first-of-a-kind SMR programme. You will drive advanced analysis and modelling activities, ensuring the reactor design meets stringent safety, operability and performance requirements. The role offers high visibility across the business, with opportunities to shape key decisions, support regulatory engagement and guide the evolution of analytical approaches and engineering standards.

£71,000.00

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£93,187.50