Rolls-Royce SMR is a UK-based energy and manufacturing company developing a next-generation Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear power plant. Built on Rolls-Royce engineering expertise, its reactor is designed to generate 470 MW of low-carbon electricity per unit, operate for around 60 years and use factory-based modular manufacturing to support efficient deployment. The company is advancing regulatory assessment, international partnerships and manufacturing capabilities as it develops scalable nuclear power for energy security, decarbonisation and export markets.
Associate Engineer, Severe Accident Analysis
Support severe accident analysis for Rolls-Royce SMR’s small modular reactors. Develop models and safety evidence to assess reactor, coolant-system, and containment behaviour.
Description
- Contribute to severe accident analysis work packages as a technical author, with guidance from experienced engineers.
- Define analysis requirements with system design, layout, and E3S teams.
- Carry out studies for design optimisation, plant safety demonstration, and ALARP justification.
- Evaluate accident scenarios including loss-of-coolant, intact-circuit, bypass or secondary, and shutdown faults.
- Analyse thermal-hydraulic phenomena such as core degradation, combustible gas generation, steam behaviour, and safety-system performance.
- Develop and deliver analytical models under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Evaluate reactor, coolant-system, and containment behaviour during severe fault conditions.
- Prepare technical documentation and analytical reports.
- Follow quality assurance and governance processes.
- Assist with verification and validation of analysis tools and methods.
- Present analysis findings to stakeholders.
- Work with multidisciplinary engineering and non-engineering teams.
- Help improve analytical methods and tools.
- Take potential placements across the wider business, particularly in the Performance & Analysis function.
Requirements
- A strong academic background in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related STEM field.
- Interest in nuclear engineering, reactor behaviour, and severe accident analysis.
- Understanding of thermal-hydraulic principles and engineering analysis methods.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A structured, methodical approach to technical work.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to high standards of engineering quality and technical rigour.
- Flexibility and willingness to learn in a fast-evolving technical environment.
- Interest in building expertise in nuclear safety and accident analysis.
- A degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or another relevant STEM discipline, or expected completion of one.
- Interest in a technical career in nuclear engineering and safety analysis.
- Ability to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check.
Benefits
- A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Career development opportunities in a rapidly growing business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.