Lead Engineer – C&I Functional Design, Safety Systems

Rolls-Royce SMR

Lead Engineer defining functional specifications for nuclear safety systems at Rolls-Royce SMR. Collaborate closely with safety teams and engineers, ensuring compliance with nuclear standards.

Posted 6/12/2026full-timeDerby • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSenior💰 £63,600 - £83,500 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide technical leadership in defining the functional specifications for nuclear safety systems across the RR‑SMR plant
Lead the development of functional design during conceptual and front‑end engineering phases
Set design intent, define safety functions, and translate plant needs into implementable system requirements
Carry technical authority for safety‑related C&I functional design and influence safety cases and plant operating philosophy
Work closely with C&I architects, safety system owners, safety‑case teams, and plant engineers
Take ownership of multiple work packages defining overall C&I functional specifications
Ensure compliance with IEC nuclear standards and alignment with UK regulatory expectations
Provide leadership, mentoring, and direction within the team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Extensive experience in C&I functional design within safety‑critical industries
Strong understanding of control theory, process control and system functional architecture
Experience defining top‑level functional specifications for C&I systems
Deep knowledge of safety‑system concepts, including redundancy and diversity
Experience working to nuclear or equivalent safety‑critical standards
Familiarity with safety analysis techniques such as HAZOP, FMEA and PSA
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Ability to lead technically across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Experience mentoring and coaching engineers

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C&I functional designcontrol theoryprocess controlsystem functional architecturesafety-system conceptsredundancydiversitysafety analysis techniquesHAZOPFMEA

Soft Skills

stakeholder managementcommunication skillsleadershipmentoringcoachingdirectionteam collaborationtechnical authorityinfluenceownership