Lead C&I Engineer (GBE-N / CEZ) at Rolls-Royce SMR in Derby

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 Control & Instrumentation (C&I) team is responsible for delivering safe, secure and technically robust control, protection and monitoring systems across the power station. These systems underpin reactor safety, plant operation, and integration of both safety‑classified and non‑classified C&I systems. C&I engineering ensures compliance, quality and architectural coherence across the complete plant design.

We are recruiting for two Lead C&I Engineer opportunities. One role will focus on supporting our Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE‑N) programme in the UK, while the second role will focus on supporting our ČEZ programme in the Czech Republic.

About the Role

As a Lead C&I Engineer, you will provide technical expertise across the full design and development lifecycle of C&I systems for the SMR nuclear power plant. This includes system architecture, sub‑system design, component specification, design/selection, and integration to realise the fully verified design of the power station. You will drive cross‑functional engineering collaboration, guide teams in structured systems‑engineering methodologies, and ensure technical decisions are robust, compliant and aligned with overall plant architecture and programme objectives.

You will work with process, mechanical and systems engineering teams to translate high‑level requirements into C&I system specifications, collaborate with C&I Functional Architects to define system implementation requirements, ensure compliance with relevant international standards (IEC 61513, IEC 61226, IEC 61508), and lead verification and validation planning. You will support lifecycle processes, safety case development, regulatory engagement and supply chain assurance.

We’ll Need You To:

• Translate high‑level requirements into C&I system specifications

• Work with C&I Functional Architects on system design and implementation requirements

• Liaise across engineering disciplines to integrate system functionality and performance needs

• Assess and substantiate that C&I system designs meet all technical and regulatory requirements

• Ensure compliance with IEC 61513, IEC 61226, IEC 61508 and associated standards

• Produce verification and validation plans, including defining test programmes for requirement satisfaction

• Support lifecycle policies and procedures related to C&I system development

• Support procurement, operations and maintenance considerations for C&I equipment

• Contribute to safety case development and participate in regulatory engagement

• Act as a responsible designer or intelligent customer, depending on task

• Deliver agreed work programmes and oversee contract partners where applicable

• Coach and mentor less‑experienced engineers, providing technical leadership across the discipline

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:

• Previous experience within the nuclear industry is preferable. However, we welcome applicants with a proven record across the design and implementation lifecycle of C&I systems in a highly regulated environment (e.g. Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace, Rail, Automotive, Oil & Gas), including an understanding of system and component qualification.

• We recognise that C&I is a broad discipline, and we welcome applicants with design and development experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Systems engineering methodologies, including requirements management and systems integration

  • Design safety assessments and assurance activities

  • Protection systems – hardwired or programmable

  • Analogue electronics design and FPGA development

  • Industrial plant process control systems and automation

  • C&I instrumentation

  • Data management and processing systems – DCS, SCADA, PLCs or FPGA‑based platforms

  • Physical integration of C&I plant – panels, junction boxes, installation and wiring design

  • Cabling design and management including specification, routing, terminations, installation, commissioning and testing

  • Environmental qualification – EMI/RFI, DSEAR, ATEX and related performance standards

• Deep knowledge and experience across the lifecycle of safety‑ or process‑critical C&I systems

• Strong understanding of designing systems resilient to faults (redundancy, diversity etc.)

• Practical knowledge of relevant industry standards including IEC 61513, IEC 61226 and IEC 61508

• Strong communication skills, able to present complex information clearly, including to regulators

• Experience providing technical oversight and discharging the intelligent customer role

• Degree‑qualified in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, control systems or mechatronics (or equivalent experience)

Location:

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

Salary and Package:

The salary band for this will be between £60,000–£78,750 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and, in due course, there is the potential for you to develop the role further.

Benefits include:

• Bonus - Performance‑related target opportunity 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 ability to buy or sell up to 5 days

• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover

• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay

• Home Office Support - £250 one‑off payment for new starters

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, and a culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning.

Selection Process:

The closing date for this role is 13th September. The process will consist of an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by shortlisting and first‑round interviews shortly after.