Assistant Chief Engineer Components - Future Product

Assistant Chief Engineer, Components - A Pivotal Role in Advanced Reactor Technology

This opportunity for an Assistant Chief Engineer, Components at Rolls-Royce presents a compelling prospect for experienced engineering leaders looking to make a significant impact in a critical and innovative sector. Based in Derby with a hybrid working model, this full-time position is designed for professionals who thrive on technical ownership and driving complex programmes from conception through to validated delivery.

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out?

• Technical Leadership & Ownership: At its core, this role is about leading the technical direction of future component developments. You will be instrumental in decomposing customer requirements, setting the bar for detailed design teams, and providing crucial technical governance and assurance. If you are passionate about shaping the future of technology and ensuring its robust development, this is a platform to showcase your expertise.
• Strategic Influence: You will be more than just a manager; you will be a key influencer. This includes providing clear engineering recommendations to support programme decision-making and acting as an escalation route for all engineering matters. This involves a vital balancing act between cost, quality, and delivery, requiring strategic thinking and strong communication skills.
• Collaboration with the UK MoD: A significant aspect of this role involves close collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence. This partnership ensures adequate assurance is undertaken for future reactor components, highlighting the critical national importance of the work and providing unparalleled experience in high-stakes defence engineering.
• Product Safety Assurance: Contributing to Product Safety Boards at various levels (Product, Business, and Company) underscores the responsibility and trust placed in this position. You will play a direct role in ensuring the highest standards of safety are met.
• Career Development at Rolls-Royce: Rolls-Royce is renowned for its commitment to employee growth. The company fosters a culture of belonging, integrity, and continuous learning. You will benefit from a wide breadth of opportunities to develop your career, gain in-depth knowledge, and make a tangible difference. Excellent development, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including bonus schemes and employee assistance programs, further enhance this attractive proposition.
• Flexible Working: The hybrid working model offers a sensible balance between office-based collaboration and the flexibility of remote work, allowing individuals to manage their time effectively.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Engineering Foundation: A strong academic background is essential, with a minimum of a UK BEng degree (or equivalent) in engineering, and a higher degree is preferred. Membership in a recognized UK engineering institution is also a key requirement.
• Reactor Equipment Expertise: Proven experience within the reactor equipment areas of the Submarines business is crucial. This specialized knowledge is fundamental to the success of this role.
• Leadership and Governance: Candidates must demonstrate a track record of leading engineering teams and acting in a technical governance capacity. This implies strong interpersonal skills, the ability to mentor, and a firm understanding of engineering best practices.
• Understanding of Complex Processes: A solid grasp of Intellectual Property and Export Control requirements, product safety management processes, and technology development and implementation processes is vital for navigating the regulatory and operational landscape.
• Security Clearance: Due to the sensitive nature of the work, successful candidates will need to hold or be able to obtain a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support this process. Furthermore, due to business requirements and asset protection, applications are primarily open to UK nationals or, in approved cases, dual nationals.

This Assistant Chief Engineer position offers a unique chance to lead at the forefront of engineering innovation within a company that values its people and their development. It's an ideal role for a seasoned engineer ready to take on significant responsibility and contribute to projects of national importance.