Lead Engineer – Low Voltage Switchgear
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 Systems team is responsible for delivering safe, resilient and technically robust electrical infrastructure across the SMR power station. Low Voltage (LV) switchgear systems are fundamental to the reliable distribution of power throughout the plant, supporting both safety‑classified and non‑classified systems while ensuring operational resilience and maintainability.
About the Role
As a Lead Engineer – Low Voltage Switchgear, you will be responsible for the technical specification, development, integration and delivery of 400V AC and 220V DC indoor switchgear equipment across the full project lifecycle. You will develop component requirements and procurement specifications following Systems Requirements Handover, ensuring that system requirements are translated into robust, maintainable and compliant switchgear solutions. Working within the Electrical Components Team, you will manage assigned component packages through the component governance process, supporting Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, procurement, supplier engagement, manufacture, testing, installation and final acceptance. Acting as an Intelligent Customer, you will provide technical oversight to suppliers and engineering partners to ensure all delivered solutions meet project requirements and lifecycle expectations.
We’ll Need You To:
- Develop component requirements for LV switchgear systems from system‑level requirements
- Create and maintain technical specifications for 400V AC and 220V DC switchgear equipment
- Support development of Group Component Specifications (GCS) and Product Type (PT) specifications
- Review engineering calculations, drawings and technical documentation
- Assess designs against safety, reliability, maintainability and operability requirements
- Coordinate technical interfaces with other electrical systems, disciplines and stakeholders
- Act as technical focal point for: Main switchboards Essential services switchgear Non‑essential services switchgear Distribution boards Motor Control Centres (MCCs) Bus couplers and synchronisation panels Switchgear auxiliary systems Protection and control interfaces
- Prepare technical deliverables for Design Reviews and Gate Reviews
- Support technical assurance and independent review activities
- Develop technical procurement specifications and scopes of supply
- Participate in supplier engagement and technical evaluation activities
- Review supplier proposals, compliance documentation, calculations and drawings
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and review certification documentation
- Identify technical risks, assumptions and dependencies and implement mitigation plans
- Coordinate interfaces across systems, protection and control, civil, mechanical, procurement, safety and operations teams
Key Skills Required
- Experience in electrical power engineering within design, engineering or equipment delivery environments
- Proven experience in the specification, design, procurement, integration or qualification of low voltage switchgear and MCC systems
- Understanding of the full equipment lifecycle, from concept development through manufacture, testing, installation and commissioning
- Demonstrable knowledge of: LV switchboards MCCs Busbar systems Protection and control equipment Distribution boards UPS interfaces Battery charger interfaces Auxiliary systems
- Experience developing technical specifications and reviewing supplier designs
- Knowledge of: Protection studies Discrimination studies Fault level assessments Load schedules Power quality considerations Arc flash assessments Maintainability and resilience requirements
- Experience using electrical design and analysis software to support technical substantiation
- Familiarity with standards such as: IEC 61439 IEC 60947 IEC 60529 IEC 62208 BS 7671
- Experience coordinating technical interfaces across multidisciplinary teams
- Strong stakeholder engagement and technical leadership capability
- Experience providing technical guidance and mentoring less experienced engineers
- We welcome candidates from Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace, Utilities, Rail, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and other highly regulated industries.
Qualifications
Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
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 £60,000 – £78,750 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases.
- Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 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 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 5th 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
£60,000.00 – £78,750.00
Why Join Us?
- 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 #LI-CE1 #LI-Hybrid #WeAreSMR #destinationnuclear
Why Join Us?
- 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 can thrive.
What we offer At Rolls‑Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands. Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 – 5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance.
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