Lead Engineer - Verification & Validation Capability

Role Title: Lead Engineer – Verification & Validation Capability

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.

About the Team:
The Verification & Validation (V&V) Capability team is fundamental to the successful delivery of the Rolls‑Royce SMR programme.

The team provides the framework that connects requirements, verification and validation activities, exit criteria and compliance evidence across the entire project lifecycle. Working across engineering disciplines, the team develops and continuously improves the capability, methods, processes and digital tools that enable independent, evidence-led compliance assessments needed to demonstrate that the Rolls‑Royce SMR power station meets its requirements, fulfils stakeholder needs and performs as intended.

The team develops integrated V&V processes, standards, templates and guidance, enhances digital toolsets and automation, builds engineering competence through coaching and subject matter networks, and ensures V&V is effectively integrated with Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Configuration Management, E3S, Test and Commissioning.

Our mission is simple: to prove that the power station design and implemented solution meets its requirements and satisfies intent in the most efficient and effective way, from first-of-a-kind through to fleet deployment.

About the Role:
As a Lead Engineer – Verification & Validation Capability, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how Verification & Validation is performed across the programme.

You will lead the development and continuous improvement of V&V processes, methods, tools and standards that enable effective design verification and product validation. While V&V Delivery Engineers focus on the “what, when and why”, this role focuses on the “how” — ensuring technical excellence, digital integration, consistency and efficiency across the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for engineering capability development, digital transformation, systems engineering and continuous improvement to influence how verification and validation is delivered across one of the UK’s most exciting engineering programmes.

We’ll Need You To:

- Lead the development and implementation of integrated V&V processes, methods, tools, standards and guidance

- Create and maintain efficient digital solutions that support verification, validation and compliance activities

- Translate user stories and engineering needs into practical workflows and capability improvements

- Drive continuous improvement activities and implement lessons learned across the V&V function

- Lead the application of emerging technologies, including automation and AI-enabled solutions where appropriate

- Work with SMEs and capability engineers to ensure technical excellence and consistency

- Improve V&V awareness and capability across the wider engineering organisation

- Develop and deliver training, coaching and guidance to engineers and stakeholders

- Ensure V&V processes integrate effectively with Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Configuration Management, E3S, Test and Commissioning

- Support strategic resource planning and long-term capability development

- Contribute to departmental strategies including V&V strategies and management plans

- Support technical quality, competency and safety requirements across the Development Engineering supply chain

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:

Verification & Validation Expertise
- Proven experience developing and applying V&V principles across the engineering lifecycle

- Experience managing V&V data and maintaining traceability between requirements, activities and evidence

- Experience conducting or supporting verification and validation activities such as testing, assessment, analysis or auditing

- Experience within highly regulated sectors such as Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace, Energy, Process Industries or Oil & Gas

Capability Development
- Experience developing and continuously improving engineering methods, processes and toolsets

- Experience operating within digital engineering environments and transforming engineering workflows

- Experience creating and delivering functional strategies, plans or improvement roadmaps

- Proactive approach to continuous improvement and challenging the status quo

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

- IBM DOORS, Siemens Polarion or similar ALM tools

- DXL, Python, SQL or similar scripting/coding languages

- Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

- Capella or similar systems engineering tools

- Azure DevOps

- Configuration and Change Management

- Agile delivery methodologies

- Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, DAX and low-code automation tools

Communication & Influence
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills

- Ability to bring multidisciplinary teams together to solve complex problems

- Ability to explain complex topics clearly and concisely

- Comfortable influencing engineering teams and driving adoption of new approaches

- Ability to manage uncertainty and change in a constructive and pragmatic manner

Systems Engineering
- Strong systems-thinking mindset

- Practical experience applying Systems Engineering principles, methods and tools

- Understanding of requirements management, traceability and lifecycle management

- Familiarity with the INCOSE framework would be beneficial

Mentoring & Leadership
- Experience developing engineering capability and supporting team growth

- Experience coaching and mentoring engineers

- Ability to review technical outputs and provide constructive feedback

- Strong focus on quality and continuous improvement

Qualifications:

- Degree qualified in Engineering or a relevant scientific or technical discipline

- Chartered Engineer, or working towards professional registration

- Equivalent experience will also be considered

The following would be advantageous:

- Knowledge of ISO 15288 Systems and Software Engineering lifecycle processes

- Familiarity with the INCOSE framework

- Understanding of IAEA SSG‑69 Equipment Qualification guidance

- Knowledge of EPRI Nuclear Power Plant Equipment Qualification methodologies

- Understanding of E3S requirements and the application of ALARP and BAT principles

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–£75,000 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 4 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 15th November 2026, with interviews being able to take place immediately.

Pay Range:
£60,000.00 -
£78,750.00 Why Join Us?

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.
•    A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

•    Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
•    Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
•    Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check

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