Manager - Simulation Development

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 Power Station Performance Simulation team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Engineering Simulator capability that underpins critical aspects of the SMR programme. The simulator supports plant performance analysis, control room development, Human Factors assessments, control and instrumentation verification and validation, and future operational training and readiness activities.

As Manager – Simulation Development, you will lead the team responsible for delivering, governing and continuously improving the Engineering Simulator capability across the SMR programme.

You will provide leadership for simulator capability development, governance and stakeholder engagement across both analytical simulation and real‑time simulator applications. Technical leadership for individual simulator workstreams will be delegated within the team, allowing you to focus on team effectiveness, delivery governance, capability development, stakeholder alignment, supplier management and strategic direction.

You will be accountable for ensuring that simulator capabilities continue to support a broad range of engineering, operational and programme needs while maintaining robust governance, quality standards and delivery performance.

• Lead and develop the Simulation Development team, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing culture
• Own the Engineering Simulator development portfolio across both analysis and real‑time simulation capabilities
• Ensure simulator development activities are effectively prioritised, planned and governed
• Oversee delivery of the Engineering Simulator Analysis Build supporting power station performance analysis
• Oversee delivery of Real‑Time Simulator capabilities supporting control room simulation, C&I verification and validation and wider operational readiness activities
• Establish and maintain robust governance, configuration management, quality and release management processes
• Develop resource plans, capability roadmaps and delivery forecasts
• Manage competing stakeholder requirements and programme priorities
• Support effective decision making through transparent reporting of milestones, risks, dependencies and constraints
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and delivery partners
• Collaborate with teams across Performance Analysis, Human Factors, Systems Engineering, C&I, Verification & Validation and programme delivery functions
• Establish strategic relationships with relevant organisations to benchmark best practice and identify opportunities for capability improvement
• Drive continuous improvement across simulator capability, tools, processes and ways of working

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:

People Leadership & Capability Development

• Experience leading, developing and motivating technical engineering, modelling, simulation or software‑enabled delivery teams
• Experience creating clarity around roles, responsibilities and delivery ownership
• Experience with recruitment, performance management, mentoring and succession planning
• Ability to build a culture that promotes collaboration, accountability, quality and continuous improvement

Delivery Management

• Experience managing complex technical portfolios with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Ability to develop and manage delivery plans, resource forecasts, dependency maps and risk registers
• Experience governing iterative, sprint‑based or release‑based technical development activities
• Ability to balance quality, cost, schedule and scope while maintaining delivery commitments

Simulation & Digital Engineering

• Understanding of integrated plant simulation, modelling and simulator development environments
• Awareness of real‑time simulation, engineering analysis models and software‑enabled engineering workflows
• Familiarity with model integration, software release processes, verification and validation principles, and configuration management
• Experience within nuclear, safety‑critical or highly regulated engineering environments is advantageous

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

• Experience managing technical interfaces across engineering disciplines, suppliers and customers
• Ability to translate stakeholder needs into clear simulator development priorities and delivery plans
• Strong communication skills, capable of explaining simulator capability, maturity, risks and constraints to technical and senior stakeholders
• Experience managing supplier relationships and specialist technical support arrangements

Governance & Assurance

• Understanding of governance requirements for engineering models, technical data and simulator capabilities
• Experience managing technical reviews, release gates, configuration control and quality assurance processes
• Understanding of verification, validation and uncertainty management approaches
• Ability to manage risk effectively and make structured decisions within complex delivery environments

• Degree‑qualified in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Control Systems, Modelling & Simulation or a related discipline
• Demonstrable experience leading technical engineering, simulation, modelling, controls, software or digital delivery teams
• Chartered Engineer status, Incorporated Engineer status, or evidence of working towards professional registration is desirable

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

Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

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, reflecting the leadership responsibility of the role.

Benefits include:

• 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

The closing date for this role is 6th September 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:

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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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