Head of C&I Systems Design & Integration

Role Title: Head of C&I Systems Design & Implementation

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.

The Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) function is responsible for delivering the control, protection, automation and monitoring systems that underpin the safe, secure and efficient operation of the SMR power station.

The Systems Design & Implementation team translates plant functional architectures into integrated, deliverable physical system solutions, ensuring technical excellence across the full engineering lifecycle.

About the Role:

As Head of C&I Systems Design & Implementation, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the development, integration, implementation and governance of Control & Instrumentation systems across the Rolls‑Royce SMR programme.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for system implementation, physical architectures, interface management, verification and validation planning, deployment readiness and design integration. Working alongside the Chief Design Engineer, Functional Architecture teams, Safety Case teams, regulators, suppliers and senior programme stakeholders, you will ensure C&I systems are delivered safely, securely and to the highest standards of engineering excellence.

This role forms part of the EC&I senior leadership team and carries significant accountability for technical governance, organisational capability, programme delivery and long‑term engineering strategy.

We’ll Need You To:

• Lead the Systems Design & Implementation function across the EC&I organisation
• Define and maintain integrated C&I implementation strategies and physical architecture baselines
• Ensure hardware, software, communications and infrastructure interfaces are fully integrated and controlled
• Establish and govern system architecture, implementation and deployment strategies
• Lead requirements traceability, verification and validation planning activities
• Champion Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches and digital engineering practices
• Maintain robust configuration management and technical baselining arrangements
• Lead technical governance, design reviews and engineering assurance activities
• Ensure nuclear safety, cybersecurity and regulatory requirements are embedded within system architectures
• Support licensing activities, regulatory engagement and independent technical assessments
• Develop strategic delivery plans that align resources, investment and capability with programme demands
• Provide technical oversight of supplier and partner organisations
• Build and develop a high‑performing engineering organisation through coaching, mentoring and succession planning
• Shape the future capability of the EC&I organisation and develop future technical leaders

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:

• Extensive experience leading the development and implementation of complex Control & Instrumentation systems
• Proven technical leadership across integrated system architectures, implementation strategies and physical system design
• Strong understanding of systems engineering, including: Requirements management Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Verification and validation Configuration management Technical governance
• Experience defining, governing and maintaining large‑scale integrated system architectures
• Strong understanding of nuclear safety, safety case development and regulatory compliance
• Knowledge of relevant standards including: IEC 61513 IEC 61226 IEC 61508 IEC 62443
• Experience supporting regulatory assessments, licensing activities and technical assurance programmes
• Proven experience delivering engineering programmes in highly regulated environments
• Strong leadership capability with responsibility for organisational development and succession planning
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and engineering delivery partners
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated programmes

Qualifications:

• Degree qualified in Control & Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), or the ability to achieve chartership within an agreed timeframe
• Significant experience delivering complex safety‑related systems in a regulated industry

Location:

Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:

Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

Salary and Package:

The salary band for this role will be between £85,600 – £115,800 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the seniority and strategic leadership responsibility of the role.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 20%
• Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum for a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Selection Process:

The closing date for this role is 30th October 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.

Pay Range:

-

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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