Head of Thermal Hydraulic & Fault Analysis

Role Title: Head of Thermal Hydraulic & Fault Analysis
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 Performance & Analysis team is the centre of excellence within Rolls‑Royce SMR for the engineering analysis used to substantiate the performance and safety of the power station.
The Thermal Hydraulic & Fault Analysis function is responsible for developing and delivering the analysis methods, tools and evidence that underpin reactor and plant safety. The team provides technical leadership across reactor fault analysis, thermal hydraulic safety assessments, CFD modelling, thermofluid analysis and analysis code validation, supporting both the Generic Design Assessment and future customer programmes.
About the Role:
As Head of Thermal Hydraulic & Fault Analysis, you will provide strategic, technical, programme and functional leadership for all thermal hydraulic analysis activities across the power station.
You will be accountable for the development of analysis methodologies, delivery of reactor and system thermal hydraulic assessments, CFD analysis capability, thermofluid engineering support and code validation programmes. This includes oversight of analysis methods, verification, validation and uncertainty quantification activities, ensuring the organisation can deliver robust and high‑quality technical outputs that support design decisions, safety cases and regulatory engagement.
You will lead a function of approximately 60 engineers, including recognised experts and specialists, while maintaining accountability for the quality, capability and performance of the discipline. The role requires extensive engagement with regulators, customers, industry bodies and senior stakeholders to ensure successful programme delivery and strategic growth of the capability.
We’ll Need You To:
Lead all Thermal Hydraulic & Fault Analysis activities across the SMR programme
Define and implement the long‑term technical strategy for the discipline
Act as the recognised company authority in thermal hydraulics and reactor fault analysis
Lead development of thermal hydraulic methodologies, tools and governance arrangements
Oversee delivery of: Reactor transient and fault analysis Thermal hydraulic system analysis CFD analysis Thermofluid engineering support Code validation programmes
Define requirements for analysis tool development and capability enhancement
Lead integration of thermal hydraulic evidence into the E3S and safety cases
Ensure delivery of technical outputs to required quality, schedule and programme milestones
Chair technical reviews and governance forums
Provide strategic prioritisation across competing analysis demands and customer programmes
Lead and develop a large multidisciplinary function comprising engineers, specialists and expert roles
Support regulatory engagement, customer interactions and external technical forums
Act as deputy to the Head of Power Station Performance & Analysis Capability when required
Key Skills Required:
Functional and Technical Expertise
Recognised technical authority in thermal hydraulics, reactor fault analysis and nuclear safety analysis
Deep understanding of PWR thermal hydraulic behaviour and analysis methodologies
Ability to define technical standards, strategy and future direction for the discipline
Experience leading specialist and expert teams delivering complex analysis programmes
Strong understanding of verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches
Organisational Leadership
Experience leading large engineering functions through managers, specialists and technical leaders
Proven capability in recruitment, capability development and succession planning
Strong mentoring, coaching and people leadership skills
Ability to build a high‑performance culture focused on technical excellence and efficient delivery
Programme Delivery & Technical Governance
Proven track record of leading large and complex thermal hydraulic analysis programmes
Experience managing technical delivery across multiple projects and stakeholders
Experience specifying and managing external analysis contracts and supply chain activities
Strong governance experience within safety‑critical industries
Experience approving and assuring technical outputs and engineering decisions
Nuclear Safety & Licensing
Strong understanding of UK nuclear regulatory expectations and licensing frameworks
Experience supporting or leading regulatory engagement activities
Strong understanding of nuclear safety principles and defence‑in‑depth
Experience developing technical evidence to support nuclear safety cases
Knowledge of international regulatory expectations and customer requirements desirable
Capability Development
Experience developing engineering capability across people, processes and toolsets
Proven ability to implement best practice methods and improved ways of working
Experience driving efficiency, consistency and technical excellence across engineering organisations
Qualifications:
Degree‑qualified in Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline
Chartered Engineer (or equivalent professional registration)
Proven senior leadership experience within nuclear engineering or another highly regulated industry
Extensive experience leading large, technically complex engineering programmes
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 - £112,350 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the scale and strategic importance 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 – 29 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
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 growth in a rapidly scaling business, and a culture that values diversity, continuous learning and engineering excellence.
Selection Process:
The closing date for this role is 23rd 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:
£85,600.00
-
£112,350.00

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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