Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines
Full Time
Derby
We have an exciting opportunity for a Design/Development Engineer to join the Special Purpose Machines Team within the Rolls-Royce Submarines business.
This is a great opportunity for you to get involved in all stages of product development, from feasibility and concept, through design, build, development, training and implementation, as necessary. You will have the chance to see your ideas become reality in a fast-paced environment, where your problem solving, and engineering skills will be challenged and developed.
Why join Rolls-Royce?
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.
By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
As part of the Services Delivery Business Unit, the Special Purpose Machines (SPM) Team develop bespoke repair, inspection and maintenance capabilities, against challenging constraints, in support of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet. SPM has developed a particular expertise in the design of portable cutting/dressing machines, compact material sampling equipment and inspection manipulators. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact within an interesting and exciting area of the business.
What you will be doing:
You’ll be developing fit-for-purpose, innovative engineering solutions, from concept to implementation, against customer and governance requirements, whilst adhering to stringent time, cost and quality constraints.
- Delivering SPM solutions through management of own day-to-day activities and risks.
- Producing design solutions and engineering drawings, then presenting at gated design reviews to demonstrate all key requirements have been met.
- Providing technical support to sub-contract manufacturers and then undertaking equipment build/assembly activities.
- Producing development test plans, then performing trials and demonstrations to fully validate and commission capabilities.
- Producing operating procedures, training personnel, and supporting initial on-site implementation activities.
Position Qualifications:
- An understanding of sound engineering principles, including: design for manufacture, design for assembly and maintenance, health and safety, concurrent engineering, and ideally and appreciation of the protocols associated with nuclear applications.
- Experience of the practical application, and ideally ‘hands-on’ experience, of a broad range of machining processes and tools, for example: cutting machines, dressing machines, manipulators and mechanisms.
- Previous machine design and development experience, preferably bespoke special purpose machines, and the production of the associated technical documentation.
- Familiarity with design tools/techniques and proficient in the use of CAD, ideally Siemens‑NX.
- A Mechanical Engineering related degree, or equivalent experience.
To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines you need to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently already have this in place.
Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets, you must hold a UK nationality. Any dual nationals will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work with RRSL.
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate
This job is advertised at the grades shown, and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade.
It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.
Grade: NGS 7-10
For further information please contact: Paul Gargett -
Job CategoryMechanical SystemsPosting Date28 Sept 2026; 00:09Posting End Date05 Oct 2026Skills Required
- Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience
- Understanding of sound engineering principles, including design for manufacture, design for assembly and maintenance, health and safety, and concurrent engineering
- Machine design and development experience
- Experience producing associated technical documentation
- Familiarity with design tools and techniques
- Proficiency in CAD
- Practical application experience with machining processes and tools, including cutting machines, dressing machines, manipulators, or mechanisms
- Eligibility to hold UK Security Check clearance without caveats
- UK nationality
- Hands-on experience with machining processes and tools
- Experience designing bespoke special-purpose machines
- Familiarity with Siemens NX
- Understanding of protocols associated with nuclear applications
Rolls-Royce Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rolls-Royce and has not been reviewed or approved by Rolls-Royce.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement support is strengthened by a U.S. 401(k) program and recent Indianapolis agreements that enhanced retirement benefits. This foundation is complemented by an ongoing company emphasis on competitive retirement provisions across regions.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity value is broadened through a global employee share plan with a broad-based grant in 2024. A matched-purchase program introduced in 2025 further extends access to share ownership.
-
Flexible Benefits — Flexible benefits are highlighted through a holistic, choice-based package and flexible working principles under the People Deal. Regional tailoring provides options spanning wellbeing, recognition, and other locally relevant rewards.
Rolls-Royce Insights
Similar Jobs
What We Do
Delivering power and propulsion solutions in the air, at sea and on land.








