Lead Chemist – Nuclear Engineering

Rolls-Royce SMR

Lead Chemist for Rolls-Royce SMR responsible for water chemistry control and compliance. Engage with regulators, coach engineers, and shape long-term chemistry strategy.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeDerby • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSenior💰 £60,000 - £78,750 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in applied chemistry within nuclear and power generation contexts, with a strong focus on compliance, safety, and quality assurance. Capable of leading technical teams, mentoring junior engineers, and effectively communicating complex information across multidisciplinary environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Applied Chemistry ExpertiseNuclear Industry ExperienceTechnical MentoringRegulatory Compliance KnowledgeData Interpretation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Chemistry DegreePWR Plant Behaviour UnderstandingALARP Principles KnowledgeTechnical Review ConductingChemistry Data Interpretation

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationCollaboration SkillsCoaching and Mentoring

Industry Keywords

Nuclear ChemistryPower GenerationRegulated IndustriesSafety Case ContributionMultidisciplinary Collaboration

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Leading water chemistry control and justification activities across all reactor operating modes and systems.
Acting as a primary technical interface, representing the chemistry discipline with authority and clarity.
Contributing to the SMR safety case, including engagement with the regulator and potential customers.
Coaching and mentoring junior engineers to build technical capability in the team.
Conducting detailed technical reviews to ensure chemistryrelated outputs meet quality, accuracy, and compliance requirements.
Driving strategic development of the chemistry team — identifying opportunities, building networks, and influencing the future direction of the discipline.
Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, identifying gaps or nonconformances and proposing robust, practical solutions.
Staying connected to external industry communities, ensuring RollsRoyce SMR remains at the forefront of nuclear chemistry practice.
Owning and managing delivery plans, ensuring work is delivered to cost, schedule, and quality requirements.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related discipline.
Strong, practical experience in applied chemistry.
Experience working in the nuclear, power generation, or other highly regulated industries.
Understanding of PWR plant behaviour, ALARP principles and regulatory expectations (highly beneficial).
Ability to interpret chemistry data, predict trends, and assess implications for safety and operability.
Clear, confident communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical information to varied audiences.
Strong collaboration skills — able to build relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external organisations.
Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting others in a technical environment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%
Benefits Allowance - £2200, 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
Family Friendly Policies
Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
£250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases