Rolls-Royce

Engineering Manager - Core Design

Derby Full time

Job Description

Engineering Manager - Core Design

Derby

Full Time – 5 days on site, with occasional working from home

Why Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you’ll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that champions belonging, creativity, and your professional growth.

We have a vacancy for an Engineering Manager of the Core Design in the Reactor Engineering department.

Reactor Engineering is accountable for the component design, substantiation and safety case of most components comprising the reactor assembly.  This includes the core, core structures, CRDMs, and the reactor assembly itself.  The department skills include design, physics, performance, materials, and structural integrity.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a role leading one of the key engineering disciplines in Submarines - providing support to the customer across a broad product set at all points in the product lifecycle. You will lead and develop a team of engineers as they support the fleet, factories, submarine build programmes and embark on an ambitious new programme of technology insertion work aligned to the SSN-AUKUS programme. You will be front and centre on some of the largest technical challenges currently facing the submarines business and have the opportunity to lead the area through what will be a key period on all three of the main programmes.

The Engineering Manager for Core Design reports to and carries delegated accountability from the Head of Reactor Engineering for the agreed scope of delivery. You will be line managing a team of c50 engineers, managing wellbeing, recruitment, team structure, absence, and performance. You will provide professional leadership, technical and strategic direction for their team to deliver all programme requirements on time, within budgets and to the specified level of quality.

You will be accountable to the Submarines Chief Engineers for product safety and the delivery of an engineered product that is fit for service. To this end they will need a working knowledge of the engineering governance framework and product safety processes and will need to have a strong background in a relevant technical discipline.

Key Accountabilities

  • You will work with the Engineering Managers of the other disciplines to generate cohesive and committed work programmes that deliver the business aspirations in this area.
  • Act as the controlling mind and technical leader for Core Design in the wider E&T and Future Programmes business.
  • Build and maintain the key technical capabilities associated with the Reactor Core and actively take measures to address capability shortfalls.
  • Continue to grow and develop the internal team and support the development of a supporting offload capability in the supply chain.
  • Be an advocate of the employee engagement programme and open to applying new approaches to improve engagement across their department.
  • Live by the key Rolls-Royce Leadership behaviours and coach and develop those in their department to do the same. Ensure everyone can be at their best.
  • Work with the Heads of Engineering Producibility to bring both current and future products into manufacture whilst owning the agreed design intent.
  • Work with the delivery heads to ensure a complete integrated QCD package is delivered to the satisfaction of our customers.
  • Lead their department against the overarching business unit objectives and contribute to the Submarines Strategic Aims.
  • Challenge and develop direct reports in the department to become advocates for the Submarines Ways of Working.
  • Innovate and challenge the status-quo, driving the change agenda to give step change in key areas of policy, standards and performance.
  • Ensure that skill, processes, methods and tools are maintained and continuously developed to achieve bench‐marked levels.

Who We’re Looking For

  • Experienced Engineering Leader with ability to manage large engineering teams to meet challenging business goals.
  • Educated to degree level in engineering or other appropriate technical discipline with strong technical grounding and relevant product experience
  • Broad range of engineering skills and experience, especially in NSRP design, development and manufacture.
  • Member of a recognised UK engineering institution.
  • Excellent communicator with proven record on employee engagement and stakeholder management.
  • Understanding of Intellectual Property and Export Control requirements.
  • Understanding of product safety management processes.
  • Ideally completed the NSSC or equivalent course.
  • Ideally a good working knowledge of the key challenges facing the Core Design area

We offer excellent development, a competitive salary and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts.

Being a part of Rolls-Royce you’ll know we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference.  These principles form our behaviours. They are an essential component of our assessment process and are fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.

Join us & help Rolls-Royce to become a high-performing, competitive, resilient business.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives. And the more perspectives we have, the more successful we’ll be. By building a culture of respect and appreciation, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Learn more about our global Inclusion Strategy

To work for the Rolls-Royce Submarines business an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MoD approved cases, a dual national.

Closing Date: 12th November 2025

Job Category

Mechanical Systems

Posting Date

04 Nov 2025; 00:11

Posting End Date

11 Nov 2025