Fluid System Design Engineer (Section Lead) - Submarines

About the Role

The Dreadnought Fluid Systems and Operations teams create safety, design, build, commissioning and operational documentation for the next generation of the UK’s Ballistic Submarines’ Nuclear Steam Raising Plant. They work closely with the Ministry of Defence, third‑party partners, the Royal Navy, BAE Systems, Babcock Marine and Rolls‑Royce satellite sites at Devonport, Clyde and Barrow. A Fluid Systems Design Engineer (FSE) acts as an integrator, combining deep technical knowledge from multiple disciplines to develop reliable, functional submarine systems that can be built, commissioned and operated safely. As Section Leader of the Operations Section within the Dreadnought Fluid Systems team, you will manage a team of about three engineers, oversee task planning, deadlines and delivery, and support people development alongside the Group Leader. You will define the operating philosophy and primary system operational functions for Dreadnought platforms, take technical ownership of protective safety measures, update nuclear safety case documentation, and develop PWR3 operating principles and associated procedures in collaboration with MoD, the Royal Navy and partner organisations. Additional responsibilities include supporting the Opdoc Cell in reviewing operating procedures, producing test and temporary operating procedures with the Barrow site office, and assisting commissioning of the Nuclear Steam Raising Plant’s primary systems through remote and on‑site activities. • Lead the Operations Section (≈3 engineers), managing tasks, deadlines and team development. • Develop design phases and operating philosophy for primary systems of Dreadnought submarines. • Own technical safety measures and maintain nuclear safety case documentation. • Define PWR3 operating principles and create related operational and test procedures. • Collaborate with MoD, Royal Navy, third‑party partners and experienced engineers on procedure development. • Support the Opdoc Cell in structuring operating procedures and produce temporary operating procedures at Barrow. • Contribute to commissioning of the Nuclear Steam Raising Plant’s primary systems via remote queries and on‑site work. • Apply knowledge of nuclear safety case methods, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to solve analytical problems. • Capture requirements, plan tasks and engage proactively with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸team lead
• ▸design development
• ▸safety documentation
• ▸operating procedures
• ▸commissioning
• ▸technical analysis

What You Bring

Candidates must understand nuclear safety case methods, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, have experience in requirements capture and task planning, engage proactively with internal and external stakeholders, hold at least a degree in an engineering discipline, and obtain a Security Check clearance (supported by Rolls‑Royce). Applicants must be UK nationals or MoD‑approved dual nationals. Rolls‑Royce Submarines has over 60 years of experience delivering nuclear propulsion for UK Royal Navy submarines, and is undergoing a multi‑year transformation to become a high‑performing, competitive, resilient and growing company that values respect, inclusion and diversity. The selection process may include an online cognitive and behavioural assessment, with full instructions provided to shortlisted candidates. • Hold at least an engineering degree and obtain a Security Check clearance (supported by Rolls‑Royce). • Be a UK national or MoD‑approved dual national.

Requirements

• ▸engineering degree
• ▸security check
• ▸uk national
• ▸nuclear safety
• ▸fluid dynamics
• ▸thermodynamics

Benefits

Rolls‑Royce offers the opportunity to work on world‑class solutions within a culture that values individuality, diverse perspectives and innovation, supporting a high‑performance environment. • Benefit from working on world‑class solutions within an inclusive, high‑performance culture.

Work Environment

Office Full-Time

Interview Process

-online assessment including cognitive and behavioural aptitude tests.