Nuclear HVAC System Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Nuclear HVAC System Design Manager

Company: Rolls - Royce SMR

Location: Derby, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations (Nuclear Sector)

Date Posted: 04 March 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied by team management and industry-specific experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of approximately 20 engineers focused on the design and integration of nuclear HVAC systems within the Reactor Island.

• Ensure stringent regulatory and safety compliance for all HVAC system designs, contributing directly to the plant's safety case.

• Drive the development of engineering delivery plans, manage design activities, and foster team capability development.

• Implement robust risk management strategies and support crucial governance processes for HVAC system design.

• Collaborate extensively with internal teams, third-party suppliers, equipment vendors, and regulatory bodies to ensure integrated and compliant HVAC solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Manager," the scope of leading a team of 20 engineers and managing complex, safety-critical systems places this role firmly in the mid-to-senior level of engineering management. The focus on nuclear HVAC systems indicates a highly specialized niche within operations and engineering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive engineering delivery plans for HVAC systems, ensuring alignment with overall SMR program timelines.

• Oversee the compliant design and integration of HVAC systems within the Reactor Island, ensuring seamless synergy with other critical systems.

• Apply nuclear safety principles and relevant design codes (e.g., ASME, IEC, national nuclear standards) meticulously to support the nuclear safety case.

• Act as the primary representative for the HVAC team during technical reviews, ensuring design integrity and compliance are clearly articulated.

• Scope, enable, and manage the work of internal teams and external parties (e.g., consultants, suppliers) involved in HVAC system design.

• Proactively manage system requirements, working closely with stakeholders across different engineering disciplines to capture and integrate needs effectively.

• Establish and maintain processes for monitoring design changes across the Reactor Island that may impact HVAC system design, ensuring continuous adaptation and control.

• Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with internal engineering departments, third-party design support, equipment suppliers, and regulatory authorities.

• Focus on building team capability through training, mentorship, and performance management, fostering a high-performing engineering unit.

• Drive the proactive identification of design and delivery risks, developing and implementing effective mitigation plans to safeguard project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and team development within a highly regulated environment. The emphasis on safety case contribution and regulatory compliance is paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. A Master's degree is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in HVAC system design, with a significant portion within nuclear power generation or similarly highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, critical infrastructure).

• Proven track record of successful team management, leading engineering teams of 10+ individuals.

Required Skills:

• Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• HVAC System Design: In-depth expertise in the design of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including air handling units, filtration, ductwork, and controls, with a focus on industrial or complex facility applications.

• Nuclear Safety Principles: Strong understanding of nuclear safety requirements, including defense-in-depth, safety classifications, and the development of safety cases for nuclear facilities.

• Systems Engineering: Proficiency in applying systems engineering methodologies for complex integrated systems, including requirements management, interface control, and verification & validation.

• Design Codes & Standards: Familiarity with relevant nuclear design codes and standards (e.g., IAEA standards, national regulations, ASME, IEC) pertaining to HVAC systems in nuclear environments.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to engage with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including internal project teams, clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Preferred Skills:

• Supplier Engagement & Contract Management: Experience in managing third-party design support and equipment suppliers, including technical specification development and performance monitoring.

• Change Management: Proficiency in implementing and managing change control processes for complex engineering designs.

• Process Development & Optimization: Ability to design, implement, and refine engineering processes to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance.

• Risk Management: Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical and project risks.

• Thermal Management Systems: Specialized knowledge in thermal management for sensitive equipment or controlled environments.

• Integration Skills: Strong capability in integrating HVAC systems with other critical plant systems (e.g., electrical, control, structural).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on nuclear safety, design codes, and systems engineering highlights the critical nature of this role. Experience with supplier engagement and process development is key for managing the complexities of large-scale engineering projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• HVAC Design Case Studies: Examples of complex HVAC system designs, ideally from regulated environments, showcasing problem-solving, design rationale, and integration with safety systems.

• Team Leadership Examples: Evidence of managing engineering teams, including project delivery, team development initiatives, and performance metrics.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Examples of processes developed or improved to enhance design quality, efficiency, or compliance, with demonstrated outcomes.

• Requirements Management Artifacts: Samples of how requirements were captured, managed, and traced through the design lifecycle for a complex system.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing engineering workflows for HVAC design, including stage-gate processes and review cycles.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing design solutions and any use of digital tools or automation within the design process (e.g., BIM, advanced simulation software).

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Evidence of how design performance and team output were measured, analyzed, and reported, linking to project objectives and KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to showcase tangible examples of their work, particularly how they have managed complex designs, led teams, and improved engineering processes within a regulated context. Demonstrating an understanding of the safety case contribution is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 – £75,600 per annum (DOE - Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Bonus: 12.5% annual bonus.

• Benefits Allowance: £2,200 per annum to be used flexibly.

• Pension: 12% employer contribution to pension scheme.

• Leave: 28 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays).

• Health: BUPA private medical insurance.

• Life Assurance: Comprehensive life assurance coverage.

• Home Office Allowance: £250 allowance for home office setup.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.

• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to balance office-based and remote work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with regular attendance required at Derby, Manchester, or Warrington offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a management role in a specialized engineering sector in the UK. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting the critical nature of the role and the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nuclear Energy (Small Modular Reactors - SMRs)

Company Size: Growing organization, implied to be scaling rapidly to support SMR deployment.

Founded: Rolls-Royce SMR is a relatively new entity, established to commercialize SMR technology, building on the legacy of Rolls-Royce's engineering expertise.

Team Structure:

• The HVAC team is a critical component of Reactor Island engineering, comprising approximately 20 engineers.

• They collaborate closely with other design discipline teams, including layout, components, civil, and other systems design groups.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Decisions are data-driven, with a strong emphasis on engineering analysis, simulation, and performance metrics to support design integrity and safety case development.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on structured engineering processes, stage-gate reviews, and continuous improvement to manage the complexity and safety requirements of nuclear systems.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly detailed for HVAC, the broader company context suggests an embrace of modern engineering tools and digital solutions to enhance efficiency and precision in design and integration.

Company Website: https://www.rolls-royce-smr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rolls-Royce SMR is at the forefront of a new era in nuclear energy. The culture is likely to be a blend of established engineering rigor from Rolls-Royce legacy and the agility required for a rapidly scaling technology company. Transparency, fairness, and innovation are stated values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Engineering Management position. The role requires significant technical depth in HVAC, coupled with proven leadership experience in managing engineering teams and complex projects within safety-critical environments. It's a pivotal role for shaping a safety-critical system.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Senior Manager – HVAC System Design, placing it within a dedicated HVAC engineering hierarchy. Collaboration is expected across multiple engineering disciplines and with external stakeholders, including regulators.

Operations Impact: The HVAC systems are described as "safety critical," directly impacting the safety, reliability, and environmental protection of the SMR. Effective design and integration by this manager are paramount to the overall success and safety certification of the SMR program. This role has a direct and significant impact on the company's ability to deliver its core mission of providing clean, affordable energy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in nuclear engineering, advanced HVAC technologies, and complex systems integration.

• Leadership Development: Potential to progress to higher management roles within the engineering function, potentially overseeing broader system design areas or program management.

• Specialization: Ability to become a recognized expert in nuclear HVAC design and SMR technology, contributing to industry standards and best practices.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Exposure to regulatory affairs, project management, and other key business functions critical to the deployment of SMR technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the cutting edge of nuclear energy innovation. Growth is likely to be tied to the successful deployment of SMR technology and the expansion of the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, balancing office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility. The primary offices are located in Derby, Warrington, or Manchester.

Office Location(s):

• Derby, United Kingdom: A key hub for Rolls-Royce engineering and manufacturing.

• Warrington, United Kingdom: Often associated with nuclear industry activities.

• Manchester, United Kingdom: A major city with a strong engineering and technology presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and team structure encourage collaboration with engineers across various disciplines. Regular attendance at office locations facilitates team meetings, technical reviews, and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering software for HVAC design, simulation, and potentially Building Information Modeling (BIM). The company's focus on innovation suggests a modern technology stack.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a dedicated team of HVAC engineers, senior management, and cross-functional project teams.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This offers a degree of flexibility to manage personal commitments while ensuring project delivery and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant benefit, offering flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for regular travel to one of the specified office locations. The environment is likely to be dynamic, given the growth phase of the company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on demonstrable experience in HVAC design, team management, and nuclear/regulated industry background.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on HVAC design principles, nuclear safety, systems engineering, and experience with relevant codes and standards. May include technical problem-solving scenarios.

• Managerial/Team Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management capabilities, stakeholder engagement skills, and cultural alignment with Rolls-Royce SMR's values.

• Stakeholder/Senior Management Interview: Final review with senior leadership to assess strategic fit and overall suitability for the role.

• BPSS/DBS/Financial Checks: Mandatory security and background clearance processes for all applicants in the nuclear sector.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize case studies logically, starting with the challenge, detailing your approach (especially your team's role), the solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvements, compliance achievements).

• Process Improvement Focus: Highlight specific processes you developed or improved. Explain the 'before' and 'after' state, focusing on efficiency gains, cost savings, or enhanced safety/compliance.

• Metrics & ROI: Quantify the impact of your work wherever possible. For team management, this could be on-time delivery rates, team performance metrics, or successful project completions. For design, this might involve energy efficiency improvements or system reliability data.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your examples to demonstrate understanding of the nuclear industry's unique demands for safety, reliability, and regulatory adherence. Show how your experience aligns with Rolls-Royce SMR's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenge: Be prepared for a scenario-based question related to designing or troubleshooting a nuclear HVAC system under specific constraints (e.g., space limitations, extreme environmental conditions, safety regulations).

• Leadership Challenge: Expect questions about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate engineers, manage underperforming team members, or drive change within your team.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a challenging stakeholder, balance conflicting requirements, or communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory security clearances are a critical part of the application process. Candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and be prepared for the time these checks can take. The portfolio should strongly emphasize safety-critical system design and team leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• HVAC Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit MEP, SolidWorks) for detailed system design.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with BIM platforms is highly advantageous for integrated design and clash detection.

• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Software: For advanced thermal analysis and airflow simulation (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Autodesk CFD).

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira for planning, tracking, and managing engineering delivery plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel for data manipulation and analysis, potentially BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for reporting on team performance and project metrics.

• Simulation Software: Tools used for analysing system performance, energy efficiency, and thermal loads.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding of how engineering data interfaces with broader company systems (e.g., ERP for procurement, PLM for product lifecycle management) is beneficial.

• Automation within the design process itself (e.g., scripting for repetitive tasks, automated report generation) would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of specialized HVAC design and simulation software is essential. Familiarity with BIM and data analysis tools will be highly valued for integrated design and performance monitoring in a complex project environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Compliance: Paramount importance placed on nuclear safety, regulatory adherence, and the integrity of the safety case. Decisions are made with safety as the primary consideration.

• Innovation & Excellence: A culture that drives for cutting-edge solutions in SMR technology while maintaining the highest standards of engineering excellence.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and with external partners to achieve complex project goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Integrity & Transparency: Honesty and openness in all dealings, from design reviews to stakeholder communication, reflecting the critical nature of the industry.

• Efficiency & Delivery: A focus on efficient processes and timely delivery of critical systems, balancing speed with the rigor required for nuclear applications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in integrated design teams, ensuring HVAC systems are harmonized with all other plant systems.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, with mechanisms for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the engineering team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly safety and integrity, are deeply ingrained due to the nuclear industry context. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Nuclear Integration: Integrating safety-critical HVAC systems into a novel SMR design presents significant technical and logistical challenges.

• Regulatory Landscape: Navigating and satisfying stringent regulatory requirements for nuclear facilities requires meticulous attention to detail and robust documentation.

• Team Development & Scaling: Building and maintaining a high-performing team of specialized engineers as the company scales rapidly.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of diverse internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and suppliers.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Ensuring the HVAC design remains at the forefront of technological advancements while meeting safety and performance benchmarks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in nuclear engineering, SMR technology, and specific HVAC applications for nuclear environments.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing professional certifications to stay abreast of best practices and new developments.

• Mentorship & Leadership Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders and formal leadership development programs to enhance management and strategic thinking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to tackle complex, high-impact challenges at the forefront of energy innovation. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who can navigate these challenges effectively.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing and implementing an engineering delivery plan for a safety-critical system like nuclear HVAC. How do you ensure alignment with broader program goals?" (Focus on structured planning, risk integration, and stakeholder communication.)

• Collaboration: "How would you foster collaboration between your HVAC team and other engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical, structural) to ensure seamless integration of systems? Provide an example." (Highlight proactive communication, interface management, and conflict resolution.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design change is proposed for the Reactor Island that significantly impacts your HVAC system's spatial requirements. How would you assess its impact, manage the change, and communicate the implications?" (Emphasize systematic impact assessment, change control, and clear stakeholder communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Rolls-Royce SMR and its mission to deliver clean energy?" (Show genuine interest in the company's vision and the role of nuclear energy.)

• "How do you align your leadership style with a culture that emphasizes safety, integrity, and innovation?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values in your management approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Case Study Structure: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem/challenge, your team's role and methodology, the solution implemented, and the resulting impact (quantified where possible).

• Metrics & Data: Be prepared to discuss the key performance indicators (KPIs) you used to measure success for both your team and the systems you designed. Emphasize how you demonstrated ROI or value.

• Interactive Demonstration: Be ready to walk through diagrams, process flows, or design documents. Explain your decision-making process clearly, especially concerning safety and regulatory compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Demonstrating a deep understanding of nuclear safety principles and systems engineering is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Rolls-Royce SMR careers portal via the provided URL.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in HVAC design within nuclear or highly regulated industries, team management achievements, and familiarity with relevant codes and standards. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best showcase your leadership in HVAC design, team management, and process improvement. Be ready to present these with a focus on safety, compliance, and quantifiable results.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions. Practice articulating your experience and approach using the STAR method, and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Rolls-Royce SMR, their SMR technology, and their mission. Understand the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in the nuclear sector and how your role contributes to these 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. The mandatory BPSS, DBS, and financial probity checks are a critical part of the hiring process for this role.