Test Rig Mechanical Design Expert

Make a difference with a world-class company

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Test Rig Mechanical Design Expert, to work for Rolls-Royce SMR in Derby or Warrington on projects that will contribute to the global reduction of carbon emissions. This role offers the unique opportunity to be involved with the design project for a new nuclear power station and the establishment of a world-class testing capability. Blueprint Recruitment, working with Rolls-Royce SMR and Morson RPO, are looking for a talented and ambitious engineer to join Rolls-Royce SMR’s innovative and dynamic Test Capability Team.

About the Company:

Rolls-Royce SMR is a new business, specifically created to design, construct and deliver a new fleet of Small Modular Reactor power plants that will contribute to Net Zero carbon emissions globally. Created through Rolls-Royce’s passion for engineering excellence and with world-class investment, this is an exciting new business which is expected to become a leading player in the future of energy.

About the Role:

The Test Rig Mechanical Design Expert will be responsible for the technical delivery of mechanical engineering aspects of the SMR test rigs. The role will involve being part of a multidisciplinary engineering team to develop test rig designs through a gated review process, providing technical guidance and supervision, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders. 

The Development Engineering organisation itself has responsibilities for proving that the SMR power station design meets its objectives and requirements. This will encompass the area of nuclear engineering as well as the broader scope of delivering a major infrastructure project.

About You:

You will be a Chartered Engineer (or working towards professional accreditation) and have a degree in Physical Sciences, Mathematics or a related discipline. You will also have:

• Good knowledge of relevant design codes and standards e.g. Pressure Equipment Directive

• Mechanical design experience, including responsibility for technical leadership in this field. This could be gained from any relevant industry

• The ability to lead and guide the design of: valves, pipes, pumps, mechanical joints, vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, actuation methods, heating sources, low and high pressure system

• Familiarity with systems engineering principles is desirable

• A willingness to challenge conventional thinking, with the desire to make a difference

Key Responsibilities of the Role will be:

• Providing subject matter expertise for a multidisciplinary engineering team to develop test rigs from preliminary concept through to detailed design and operation

• Utilising systems and process engineering techniques to ensure that an optimum design is produced

• Using model-based engineering applications and tools to analyse test rig life cycles

• Providing guidance and supervision to support the generation of conceptual designs, detailed designs, manufacturing specifications, operational documentation and validation evidence for a range of components and sub-systems

• Supervising engineering assessments for installation schemes, supporting structures, thermal systems, mechanism designs, component selection, heat transfer and heat balances

• Ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards

• Assisting in identifying and selecting suppliers and external facilities to deliver the test rigs

• Acting as technical authority for test rig mechanical design and participate in project reviews when required

Benefits and Work Conditions:

• A highly competitive salary is on offer along with a performance related bonus

• A range of flexible benefits are available to choose from, enabling you to create a bespoke package to suit your needs

• Travel: the location of work can be either Derby or Warrington

• Flexible working / hybrid and remote working patterns are available with agreement

• Working hours are 37.5 hrs per week with some additional hours as and when required

• Rolls-Royce SMR are an equal opportunities employer