Lead Engineer - Software Assurance

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 Control & Instrumentation (C&I) team at Rolls-Royce SMR is responsible for delivering safe, secure and technically robust control, protection and monitoring systems for the power station. These systems are essential to the safe operation of the plant and include both safety-classified and non-classified programmable systems. As part of this team, Software Assurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety-critical software and programmable devices are developed, assessed and assured to the highest standards, in line with regulatory expectations. About the Role As a Lead Software Assurance Engineer, you will ensure that development and assurance programmes for safety-critical software are executed appropriately across Rolls-Royce SMR. This includes working with internal departments and suppliers to establish suitable development processes, auditing supply chain capability and compliance, and selecting and executing confidence-building measures in line with UK and international regulatory expectations. You will assess supplier capability, audit programmable system development, and define and deliver confidence-building programmes such as source-code analysis and black-box testing. You will work closely with C&I design teams, plant systems engineers and verification specialists to support qualification of embedded software, and you will contribute to policies, procedures and safety cases that underpin the power station design. We'll Need You To:

• Support C&I design teams and systems engineers in the development and qualification of software embedded in plant systems
• Support suppliers in understanding qualification requirements and assess their capability to achieve them
• Audit supply chain partners to assess their processes, capability and compliance with recognised software assurance standards
• Assess and substantiate that programmable systems and devices have been developed according to recognised good practice and RR SMR policies
• Undertake feasibility studies to define optimum confidence-building and V&V programmes, including source-code analysis and black-box testing
• Lead and execute agreed confidence-building and V&V programmes to successful conclusion
• Contribute to the development and continual improvement of software assurance policies, procedures and guidance
• Support safety case development and engagement with regulators and independent nuclear safety assessors
• Act as an intelligent customer for software assurance activities across the lifecycle
• Deliver agreed work packages and manage contracted partners where required

Do you have experience in Supply chain?, 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:

• Experience with key software and hardware qualification standards (BS EN 61513, BS EN 60880, BS EN 62566, BS EN 62138 or equivalents)
• Experience performing or overseeing audits using standards such as IEC 61508
• Strong background in software-based or FPGA-based systems, SMART devices, PLCs or HDL-programmed devices
• Experience specifying or executing verification techniques, system-level testing or hardware-in-the-loop methods
• Ability to provide technical oversight to supply chain partners and guide suppliers through qualification processes
• Strong communication skills, able to present complex technical information clearly
• Ability to collaborate across CS&I, systems, design, V&V and other engineering teams
• Degree-level qualification in engineering, mathematics, computer science or related subjects (or equivalent experience)
• Functional safety-related training (e.g., BS EN 61508, BS EN 61511) would be beneficial

The salary band for this will be between £63,600-£83,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and, in due course, there is the potential for you to develop the role further. Benefits include:

• Bonus - Performance-related target opportunity 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 ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
• Home Office Support - £250 one-off payment for new starters

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, and a culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning. Selection Process: The closing date for this role is 30th March 2026. The process will then consist of an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, and we anticipate shortlisting and first-round interviews to take place by week commencing 9th February. #LI-CE1 #LI-Hybrid #WeareSMR #destinationnuclear 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., 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