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Rolls-Royce SMR

Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist

Derby, UKPosted Today
Full-timeonsite

Job Description

Role: Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist

Locations: Hybrid working with with your primary office location being which ever is closest to you: Derby, Warrington or Manchester

Our mission

Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy crisis. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.

The team

The Ground Engineering team underpins the safe and efficient deployment of our SMR technology, combining geoscience, engineering, and nuclear safety principles to solve complex site-specific challenges. Through innovation, advanced modelling, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the team delivers critical insights that shape design, safety, and constructability.

The role

In this context, we are looking for a Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist to join our growing Ground Engineering team supporting key programmes including GBE-N and ČEZ. Working within a collaborative, high-performing team, you will play a vital role in developing ground models, informing design, and ensuring robust geotechnical understanding across complex infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include:

  • Undertaking feasibility studies, Geotechnical Desk Studies, and the design and interpretation of onshore and offshore Ground Investigations (GI), including technical support to the supervision of GI fieldwork.

  • Interpretation and verification of GI data, with particular emphasis on rock mass characterisation and the derivation of material and discontinuity properties for design.

  • Development of engineering ground models, including 3D geological and structural models using specialist software (such as OpenGround, Leapfrog and Civil 3D – Geotechnical Modeller), to inform generic and site‑specific designs.

  • Supporting geotechnical designs on multi‑disciplinary projects, including oversight of external consultants and third‑party suppliers.

  • Management of design activities, supervision and mentoring of junior engineers, and leadership of collaboration with interfacing disciplines (including hazards, structural, civil, and constructability teams) to ensure holistic and integrated design solutions.

Experience in the nuclear sector or other highly regulated environments involving safety‑critical infrastructure is desirable but not essential.

In addition, the following are desirable attributes for the role:

  • Strong geological and geotechnical design capability, ideally including underground structures,

  • Demonstratable experience in rock engineering,

  • Experience of working on large infrastructure projects in the UK,

  • A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to site.

What you’ll bring

This is a key role within our Ground Engineering capability, and you’ll bring analytical curiosity, strong technical judgement, and the ability to translate complex ground conditions into practical engineering solutions, alongside:

Skills & experience

  • Chartered Engineering Geologist (CGeol) or working towards chartership, or equivalent demonstrable industry experience

  • We’ll ask you about your experience managing and interpreting ground investigations and developing ground models for infrastructure projects

  • Strong knowledge of geological and geotechnical principles, including rock mass characterisation, soil behaviour, and relevant codes and standards

  • Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to integrated design and embedding health and safety considerations (e.g. CDM principles)

Location

This role offers flexible working; however, regular attendance at a UK office will be expected to support programme delivery, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

What’s in it for you

  • We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,650-£66,500

  • Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 7%  

  • 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 

Selection process

We aim to update applicants within 1–2 weeks of application. The process will include an initial conversation followed by two interview stages.

Due to the nature of our work, successful candidates will be required to undertake BPSS clearance, DBS checks, and financial probity screening.

Our commitment

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is fundamental to our culture, and we are committed to fair and accessible recruitment practices.

We are a Disability Confident organisation and will make reasonable adjustments where needed.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying — but there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay Range:

£50,600.00

-

£66,465.00

Why Join Us?


You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:


•    A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
•    Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
•    A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.


We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.


Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process


Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:


•    Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
•    Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•    Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
 

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Senior Engineer – Engineering Geologist at Rolls-Royce SMR | Renata