Lead Structural Analysis Engineer - Small Modular Reactors

The Company
Morson Talent are working exclusively with Rolls Royce SMR (Small Modular Reactors) to develop a new verification team, who will play a pivotal role in the development and engineering of SMR technology through a complex lifecycle.

Rolls-Royce SMR is a start-up joint special purpose vehicle (SPV) business, specifically created to design, construct and deliver a new fleet of Small Modular Reactors power plants that will be a critical and strategic player in the race to Net Zero carbon emissions globally. Spun out of Rolls-Royce with its pedigree in engineering excellence but also attracting world class inward investment this is an exciting new business with an optimistic opportunity to be a global player in the coming years.

The Post
The Lead Engineer - Structural Analysis is responsible for technical and programme delivery for the structural analysis of the SMR plant layout, the reactor components and their support structures. They will have significant expertise in nuclear component structural assessment and will lead the delivery of component assessment as part of a fully integrated product solution in accordance with requirements flowed down from the project. The role covers all aspects of structural analysis including pipe stress expertise.

* Roles can be based in Derby or Warrington *

Key Responsibilities
• Apply technical expertise in the structural assessment of reactor components as part of the design development and substantiation process. Included but not limited to pipework, ASME III, DTA, pipe stress and seismic analysis.
• Develop robust plans for the structural assessment, work with internal and external resource to deliver structural analysis to support the programme demands.
• Lead on the production of guidance and policy materials in order to support the engineering and business processes as applicable.
• Apply technical expertise to act as Intelligent Customer for any outsourced activities.
• Provide appropriate analysis to ensure robust component optioneering and work with the component leads to deliver optimised solutions and explore the design space.
• Deliver analyses in line with best practice and to standard policies and processes and that integrate within the SMR modelling and analytics framework.
• Support ongoing concept optioneering by applying a sprint mentality to structural assessments that are fit for purpose and add value into the design process by adopting a whole IPT approach.
• Working within the Cross Components Team, produces specific guidance and policy materials in order to support the engineering and business processes.
• Ensure that quality is maintained throughout the SMR project lifecycle by undertaking appropriate technical reviews and providing the required inputs to the main project technical review gates.
• Manage technical interfaces to ensure that a coherent technical solution is achieved.
• Prioritise and lead all activities to ensure on time delivery, cost and quality is achieved for all project deliverables.
• Lead a team of structural engineers in line with the resource demands of the area including people and performance management.
• Identify needs of the team to perform the role asked effectively.
• It should be noted that as the project grows, there will be an expectation for the candidate to flex into the detailed engineering tasks from time to time and so there will be a transition into the pure Lead Engineer role.

Required Competencies

Candidates should be familiar/experienced with the following:

Understands the appropriate level of Risk in the Company.
Has a grasp of any implications of Public Relations.
Understands and applies appropriate Corporate Governance to decision making.
Understands appropriate Commercial and Corporate law decision making.
Understands Safety & UK Regulatory Affairs
Knowledge of ASME III Design by Analysis
Knowledge of DTA using R6 procedure
Materials, properties and behaviours in a structural analysis
Understanding of context of structural analysis in the design process and safety case
Application of FEA
Development of Structural Methods, Guidance and Policies
Reviewing Stress Outputs
Pipe stress analysis
Dynamic / Seismic Analysis
Quick turn-around Concept Design Analysis
Presentation Skills and Communication
Project Management - Planning, risk management, cost management etc
Leadership - leading functional teams

Organisational Expectations
All RR SMR colleagues are expected to consistently contribute and nurture good teamworking through the organisation. They should be self-driven and motivated seeking to motivate others. Colleagues are accountable for "above the line" behaviours at all times. The promotion of Nuclear Safety and wider Health & Safety policies and protocols is expected from all. All colleagues must role model the values and beliefs of the company ensuring that ethical decisions are made in line with the attainment of ED&I Charter and policy standards. Colleagues are expected to understand the principle of "right first time" with particular significance to Quality Assurance. Colleagues must be aware of their commercial and financial responsibilities and abide to agreed business processes. Colleagues should encourage best practice around Knowledge and Document management.

Qualifications & Experience
• Qualified to degree level or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Mechanical Engineer, or working towards it, with a minimum of 5 years design experience including responsibility for technically leading structural analysis programmes.
• Excellent knowledge of finite element methods for assessment of strength, fatigue and defect tolerance.
• Knowledge of a broad range of structural challenges on a nuclear plant within vessels, pipework, pumps and valves, to name a few.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant design codes, including the ASME III design by analysis requirements for pressure boundary integrity and supplementary requirements for high integrity.
• Experience in the interpretation of customer specifications and defining and managing the engineering requirements using the Requirements Management process.
• Proven technical leadership skills in the delivery of significant programmes to time, cost and quality.
• Demonstrable experience of using structural analysis knowledge to contribute to the development of component and plant integration design solutions, as part of a wider IPT.
• Experience working within the concept phase of a complex engineering programme.
• Experience in providing leadership of the supply chain to deliver analysis and act as intelligent customer.
• Supporting the components team in identifying efficient methods of utilising computational methods modern analysis methodologies.
• Excellent planning and organising skills to manage all programme activities and deliverable.
• Ability to communicate effectively with any audience, quickly establishing credibility and buy-in.
• Ability to integrate well within a project team in a commercial environment. This will include working in collaboration with external partners and suppliers.

Health & Safety
All colleagues:
• Support, promote and engage in company culture programs to create a leading and positive culture.
• Report any shortcomings in arrangements.
• Perform tasks and duties in accordance with training and instruction whilst taking care of their own health & safety and those of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Additional responsibilities for leaders:
Take accountability for the effective implementation of the company's arrangements into their area of accountability, whist ensuring availability of sufficient people, technology, and budget to effectively and maintain the arrangements to the required level of control.
• Provide sponsorship for improvement programmes.
Work conditions
• Rolls Royce SMR are an equal opportunities employer. We believe that embracing difference makes us stronger. Our diverse people bring us different skills - whatever their educational background, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.
• We welcome applications from individuals who have taken an extended career break or those who are transitioning from different sectors.
• Travel: Contracted location of work is in Derby or Warrington although we operate a hybrid working policy allowing you to work remotely with the agreement of your leader, though may require some travel within the working day when visiting other branches or organisations.
• Working hours: 37 hrs per week are standard office hours with some overtime as required.

Employment reward package
On offer is a competitive salary and performance related bonus. A selection of benefits are available that are flexible for you to choose from and will enable you to bespoke your total compensation to suit your needs.

Interested? Please send your CV to Ben Pascall on or call for a chat.