Design Manager - Nuclear Power

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Nuclear Power

Company: Rotork

Location: Bath, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-05-22

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of high-integrity electro-mechanical nuclear actuators, acting as the Design Authority for a flagship program.

• Manage and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering team to achieve quality, cost, and schedule targets for complex product development.

• Translate intricate customer and business requirements into innovative, compliant, and practical engineering solutions.

• Ensure adherence to stringent internal approval processes and critical external regulatory requirements within the nuclear sector.

• Drive seamless transition of designs into manufacturing by fostering close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a "Design Authority" function for a nuclear product, indicating a high level of technical responsibility and decision-making authority critical for safety-regulated industries. The "flagship program" nature suggests this is a strategic initiative for Rotork, requiring strong leadership and product lifecycle management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor a multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving defined quality, cost, and schedule objectives for nuclear actuator development.

• Oversee the complete product development lifecycle, from conceptualization and design to validation and production readiness, ensuring robust decision-making processes and strict adherence to all critical industry standards.

• Systematically translate complex customer needs and overarching business objectives into innovative, reliable, and cost-effective electro-mechanical design solutions.

• Rigorously verify and ensure that all product designs meet and exceed internal quality assurance protocols and comply with all relevant external nuclear regulatory requirements and certifications.

• Facilitate and manage effective collaboration with manufacturing, supply chain, quality assurance, and project management teams to ensure a smooth and efficient transition from design to mass production.

• Maintain open, proactive, and transparent communication channels with all internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on design progress, challenges, and milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, team management, and strategic oversight. The emphasis on "high-integrity," "nuclear," and "regulatory requirements" points to a need for meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of safety-critical engineering principles beyond standard product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree in Engineering discipline, Product Design, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Proven track record of design leadership within a demanding product development environment, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams and manage the design process for complex electro-mechanical products.

• Product Development Lifecycle Management: Expertise in overseeing product development from initial concept through to market launch and production.

• Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to make sound, data-driven decisions under pressure.

• Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership: Proven experience in managing and motivating diverse engineering teams (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software).

• Project Management Acumen: Ability to manage complex engineering projects, ensuring delivery against quality, cost, and schedule targets.

• Nuclear Industry Standards & Compliance: Understanding of high-integrity design principles and regulatory requirements specific to the nuclear sector.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective engagement with internal teams and external clients.

• Quality Management Principles: Commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in all design outputs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically with actuators or flow control instrumentation.

• Familiarity with specific nuclear regulatory bodies and their certification processes.

• Experience in concept-to-production phases for specialized, high-value equipment.

• Advanced knowledge of CAD/CAE tools and simulation software relevant to electro-mechanical design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and the specific mention of "Nuclear Power" and "Design Authority" suggest this role is for a senior-level individual with significant hands-on experience and a proven ability to navigate highly regulated engineering environments. The "Hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside on-site presence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the end-to-end design and development of complex electro-mechanical products, ideally from concept to successful production.

• Include examples of detailed design documentation, such as schematics, CAD models, BOMs, and technical specifications, demonstrating robust engineering practices.

• Provide evidence of managing design processes, including change management, risk assessment, and design reviews, highlighting methodologies used.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of established design control processes, including how requirements were captured, traced, and validated.

• Document your approach to conducting design reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR) and how feedback was incorporated to improve design integrity and manufacturability.

• Illustrate methods used for ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory frameworks, particularly those applicable to safety-critical systems.

• Detail your experience in collaborating with manufacturing and quality assurance teams to optimize designs for production efficiency and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Nuclear Power" focus, the portfolio should strongly emphasize process rigor, compliance, and risk management. Demonstrating experience with safety-critical system design and validation will be paramount. The ability to show a structured approach to design reviews and documentation is crucial, as is evidence of managing the transition from design to manufacturing for complex, high-value products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £90,000 per annum (estimated).

Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Manager roles with 10+ years of experience in the UK, specifically within specialized engineering sectors like nuclear and advanced manufacturing. Factors considered include the strategic importance of the role (Design Authority for a flagship nuclear program), the hybrid work arrangement, and the competitive landscape for senior engineering talent in the South West of England. Salary data was cross-referenced from industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports, and publicly available compensation data for similar roles in the UK.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting the seniority and critical nature of the role.

• Professional Growth and Development: Opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and career advancement within a global engineering leader.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Offering a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension plan.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Access to health insurance and wellness initiatives.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: Paid time off to support work-life balance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility as part of the hybrid arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for a Design Manager with extensive experience in the UK's specialized engineering sector. The specific benefits package will need to be confirmed with Rotork, but standard offerings for senior roles include enhanced pension, health benefits, and opportunities for professional development, aligning with the "Competitive Salary" and "Professional Growth and Development" mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Flow Control and Instrumentation, with a strategic expansion into Nuclear Power. Rotork serves diverse sectors including oil and gas, water, power generation, and pharmaceuticals.

Company Size: Rotork is a global leader, employing over 3,500 individuals worldwide, indicating a well-established corporate structure with significant resources and international reach.

Founded: Over sixty years ago, suggesting a long history of engineering excellence and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The engineering team likely comprises specialized disciplines such as mechanical design, electrical engineering, software development, and quality assurance, forming a multi-disciplinary unit.

• This role reports to a senior engineering or divisional leadership position, overseeing a team of engineers and potentially design technicians.

Methodology:

• Rotork emphasizes "engineering excellence," suggesting a data-driven and process-oriented approach to product development and problem-solving.

• The company's purpose, "Keeping the World Flowing for Future Generations," implies a focus on sustainability, reliability, and long-term product value.

• The "exciting period of change and growth" indicates an environment that values innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement in its operations and product offerings.

Company Website: https://www.rotork.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rotork's long history and global presence suggest a stable yet innovative work environment. The focus on "engineering excellence" and "sustainability" points to a culture that values meticulous execution and forward-thinking solutions. The expansion into nuclear power indicates a strategic move into a high-stakes, highly regulated sector, likely demanding a culture of extreme diligence and safety consciousness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, equivalent to a Director or Head of Department within a specialized engineering function. The role carries the "Design Authority" title, signifying ultimate technical accountability for product integrity and compliance in a critical sector.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, or a similar senior leadership role within the relevant business unit or division focused on nuclear solutions. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and potentially other technical staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and profound impact on Rotork's strategic growth in the nuclear market. Successful delivery of the nuclear actuator program will re-establish capabilities, open new revenue streams, and solidify the company's reputation in a high-value, specialized sector. The design choices made will directly influence product safety, reliability, cost, and long-term market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in nuclear engineering, high-integrity systems design, and regulatory compliance, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the company and industry.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher-level engineering management roles, such as Head of Nuclear Engineering, Director of R&D, or even Chief Technology Officer, overseeing broader product portfolios or strategic engineering initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into broader operational or strategic roles, leveraging deep product and market knowledge to influence business strategy, product roadmaps, or new market entries.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop and mentor junior engineers, contributing to the company's talent pipeline and establishing best practices for design and engineering within the nuclear domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Authority" designation is a significant marker of seniority and responsibility. Growth opportunities will likely involve increased scope of responsibility, broader strategic influence, and potential for technical leadership in new or expanding market segments for Rotork.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of on-site work at the Bath, UK facility and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support both collaborative team activities and individual focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Rotork's facility at Brassmill Lane, Bath, England (BA1 3JQ). This location is likely equipped with engineering labs, design studios, and collaborative workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect areas designed for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional project discussions, facilitating the interaction needed for complex product development.

• Engineering Tools & Technology: Access to advanced CAD/CAE software, simulation tools, potentially prototyping labs, and robust IT infrastructure supporting engineering workflows.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with the engineering team, project managers, manufacturing liaisons, and potentially senior leadership during on-site days. The hybrid model necessitates strong digital collaboration tools.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid arrangement offering some flexibility in managing time between home and office. Emphasis will be on delivering results and meeting project milestones, rather than strict adherence to office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests that candidates should be comfortable with a mix of in-office and remote work, requiring strong self-management and digital communication skills. The Bath facility is likely a hub for engineering and manufacturing operations, offering a dynamic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in design leadership and complex product development.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your leadership style, project management experience, and strategic approach to product development. Expect to elaborate on your experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and navigating demanding project timelines.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage will likely involve a panel of senior engineers and stakeholders from relevant departments (e.g., Nuclear, Manufacturing). You'll be asked to discuss specific design challenges, your problem-solving methodologies, and your understanding of nuclear industry standards.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present key case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your design process, technical expertise, and impact on previous projects. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your ability to translate requirements into robust solutions.

• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment with Rotork's nuclear ambitions, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Nuclear Relevance: Prioritize case studies that demonstrate experience with high-integrity systems, stringent regulatory compliance, or safety-critical design. If direct nuclear experience is limited, draw parallels from other highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, medical devices).

• Showcase Process Rigor: Clearly articulate your design methodologies, including requirements management, risk assessment, design reviews (PDR, CDR), and validation processes. Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate complex workflows.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and leadership. This could include improvements in cost, schedule adherence, product performance, reliability, or reduction in design errors.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical details of your projects, including material selection, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and any simulation or testing performed.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Frame your portfolio around your ability to lead teams, make critical decisions, and foster collaboration to achieve project goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential scenario-based questions related to managing competing priorities, resolving design conflicts, or handling unexpected technical challenges in a high-stakes environment.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex technical issues or strategic decisions.

• Research Rotork's current projects, particularly their re-entry into the nuclear market, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical depth, leadership capabilities, and a strong understanding of regulated industries. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates a structured, compliant, and impactful design process is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/CAE Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and CAE (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) platforms for 3D modeling, simulation, and analysis of electro-mechanical components and systems.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with PLM tools (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill) for managing design data, revisions, workflows, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) throughout the product lifecycle.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira for planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress, resource allocation, and milestone achievement.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for seamless communication and collaboration within a hybrid work environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize tools for analyzing design performance data, test results, and manufacturing feedback to drive design improvements.

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating technical reports, design review documentation, and project status updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, an understanding of how product designs integrate with sales, order processing, and customer support systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with automation concepts in design and manufacturing processes to drive efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack will likely include advanced engineering software for design and simulation, robust PLM systems for data integrity, and standard project management and collaboration tools. Candidates with experience in safety-critical engineering environments will be familiar with the stringent requirements for data management and traceability.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to the highest standards of design, quality, and performance, especially critical in safety-regulated sectors like nuclear.

• Safety First: An unwavering focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of all products, with robust processes to mitigate risks.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to develop cutting-edge solutions and constantly refine processes and products to enhance efficiency and value.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly in critical design decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Rotork likely promotes strong collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management to ensure seamless product development and launch.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to collaboration, with well-defined processes for design reviews, problem-solving, and decision-making.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise and best practices across teams and departments to foster collective learning and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values will strongly reflect the demands of the nuclear industry: an absolute commitment to safety, quality, and meticulous process execution, combined with a forward-looking approach to innovation and growth. Effective collaboration will be key to navigating the complexities of developing a new, high-integrity product.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Re-establishing Nuclear Capability: Leading the design and development of a new nuclear actuator after a significant hiatus presents the challenge of rebuilding expertise, processes, and market confidence.

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring full compliance with stringent, evolving nuclear industry regulations requires meticulous attention to detail and deep domain knowledge.

• Managing High-Stakes Projects: The pressure to deliver a flagship product on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards is immense.

• Balancing Innovation and Safety: Integrating new technologies and innovative design approaches while maintaining the utmost safety and reliability for nuclear applications.

• Hybrid Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a multi-disciplinary team across different work locations (hybrid model).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Nuclear Engineering Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of nuclear codes, standards, and design best practices, potentially leading to recognized industry expertise.

• Advanced Leadership Training: Developing skills in managing complex, high-stakes projects and leading specialized engineering teams in regulated environments.

• Product Portfolio Expansion: Contributing to the expansion of Rotork's product offerings into new, high-value markets.

• Strategic Project Leadership: Gaining experience in leading flagship programs that are critical to the company's strategic direction and market positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the strategic re-entry into the nuclear market, demanding a leader who can navigate both technical complexities and regulatory hurdles, while also fostering team cohesion in a hybrid setup. Growth will be tied to successfully executing these high-impact initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to acting as a Design Authority for a safety-critical product in a highly regulated industry. What are the key pillars of your strategy?" (Preparation: Focus on risk management, compliance frameworks, stakeholder alignment, and decision-making processes.)

• "How would you lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary engineering team to deliver a complex product development program under tight deadlines and stringent quality requirements?" (Preparation: Discuss team structuring, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and performance management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Rotork is re-establishing its nuclear capability. What excites you about this opportunity, and how do you see your role contributing to this strategic objective?" (Preparation: Research Rotork's nuclear strategy, their commitment to safety, and articulate how your leadership aligns with these goals.)

• "How do you foster a culture of engineering excellence and safety within your teams, particularly in a hybrid work environment?" (Preparation: Discuss specific initiatives, communication methods, and your personal commitment to these values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, following the product lifecycle: requirements, concept, design, validation, production handover.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, CAD renderings, charts, and timelines to illustrate your points. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each case study, highlighting your leadership role, the challenges faced, the innovative solutions implemented, and the tangible business outcomes.

• Focus on Process & Compliance: Explicitly detail the processes followed, especially those related to quality assurance, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.

• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about technical details, decision rationale, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of regulated industries, strong technical leadership, and a strategic approach to product development. Specific examples from your portfolio that highlight resilience, problem-solving, and adherence to process will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in design leadership, product development lifecycle management, electro-mechanical design, and any experience with high-integrity or regulated systems. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble 2-3 detailed case studies that showcase your most relevant design projects. Focus on demonstrating your process, leadership, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable achievements, especially any related to safety-critical systems or regulated industries.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those focusing on leadership, technical challenges, and your understanding of the nuclear industry. Prepare to articulate your portfolio case studies effectively.

• Research Rotork: Gain a thorough understanding of Rotork's business, their strategic re-entry into the nuclear market, and their company values. Be ready to discuss how your experience and aspirations align with their objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.