Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I

Role Title: Assistant Chief Design Engineer – EC&I

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.

The Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) function is responsible for delivering integrated systems that underpin the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the SMR power station. As the programme continues to scale, strong leadership is critical to ensure delivery of a coherent, high‑quality engineering solution.

About the Role:

As Assistant Chief Design Engineer – EC&I, you will operate as a senior leader within Engineering, acting as a key delegate to the Chief Design Engineer and providing technical and programme leadership across a large and complex design organisation.

You will be responsible for coordinating and integrating EC&I engineering activities to deliver a single, coherent product solution aligned to programme demands. This includes shaping the integrated engineering delivery model, aligning engineering outputs with the overall programme schedule, and leading prioritisation across competing workstreams.

You will work across Electrical, Control & Instrumentation and wider engineering teams, collaborating closely with project, supply chain and operations functions to solve complex technical and delivery challenges. This role plays a critical part in ensuring engineering delivery aligns with business objectives, safety requirements and industrialisation strategy.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, strategic thinking and the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.

We’ll Need You To:

• Act as a delegate to the Chief Design Engineer, supporting leadership and coordination of the EC&I function
• Lead development of the integrated engineering delivery model and programme plans
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering workstreams to deliver complex design scope
• Prioritise engineering activities across programme demands in collaboration with project teams
• Lead the management of risks and opportunities across EC&I scope
• Support development and delivery of EC&I industrialisation strategies
• Contribute to development of processes, tools and capability across the department
• Support Heads of Discipline in making key technical and programme decisions
• Chair programme and risk reviews, providing clear reporting to senior stakeholders
• Engage with regulators, customers and external organisations to support programme delivery
• Influence strategic direction and ensure alignment with wider business objectives
• Provide leadership, coaching and direction to engineering teams

Key Skills Required:

We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:

• Extensive experience across the lifecycle of EC&I systems and design delivery
• Strong background in delivering complex engineering programmes within regulated environments
• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and programme delivery activities
• Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, including ALARP and BAT principles
• Experience developing integrated delivery plans and managing programme governance structures
• Experience managing risks, budgets, resources and supply chain delivery at scale
• Strong organisational leadership capability, including strategic planning and performance management
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders across engineering, operations and programme functions
• Strong communication skills and ability to operate effectively at senior leadership level
• Experience working in complex, ambiguous environments and driving decision‑making at pace

Qualifications:

• Degree‑qualified in Electrical, Electronics, Control Systems or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards equivalent) desirable
• Significant experience in EC&I design and programme delivery within a regulated environment

Location:

Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:
Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

Salary and Package:

The salary band for this role will be between £85,600 – £115,800 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the seniority and leadership responsibility of the role.

Benefits include:

• Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 30% 

• Benefits Allowance – £8,500 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:

The closing date for this role is 21st June 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.

Pay Range:

£85,600.00

-

£112,350.00

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