Rolls-Royce and INFINITY: 17,500 Skilled Jobs and What They Mean for Defence Engineering Recruitment

On 6 November 2026, Rolls-Royce Submarines announced a strategic partnership with INFINITY in Derby. Together, they will build large-scale prototypes of advanced defence components on a new 200-acre technology park. As a result, an estimated 17,500 skilled jobs are expected across the East Midlands, and many will be defence engineering jobs.

That number matters as much as the technology. At EMBS Talent Group, we recruit engineering and technical professionals across transport, energy and defence. Therefore, we know how an announcement like this can reshape a regional talent market for years. Below, we explain what the partnership involves and which skills it will need. We also set out what employers and candidates should do now.

What the partnership involves

INFINITY is building the UK’s only full-scale, high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) site for fission, fusion and aerospace components. It is located at Infinity Park in Derby, within the East Midlands Investment Zone. In addition, it will bring prototyping, digital engineering, testing, skills and supply chain scale-up onto one campus.

Rolls-Royce Submarines designs and supports the reactors that power every Royal Navy submarine. Specifically, it will work with INFINITY to add sovereign UK capacity in three key processes:

• Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for dense, high-integrity metal components
• Power beam welding, using electron and laser beams
• Additive manufacturing through directed energy deposition

The aim is shorter development cycles and greater national control over strategically important parts. For example, these include components for submarines, fusion, fission and aerospace. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site in Derby can focus on delivery. That includes rising production rates and reactors for Australia under AUKUS. Furthermore, the Rolls-Royce Nuclear Skills Academy already operates on the park.

Rolls-Royce is not alone there, either. UK Fusion Energy is delivering the STEP prototype fusion plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire. It has also signed a strategic partnership with INFINITY.

Defence engineering jobs and skills in demand

A site working to nuclear and defence standards needs people who can take technology from prototype to qualified production. Based on what INFINITY and Rolls-Royce have described, we expect demand to build in these areas:

• Advanced manufacturing and materials: HIP process engineers, welding engineers (EBW and laser), additive manufacturing specialists, metallurgists and materials scientists.
• Quality and qualification: NDT technicians, quality engineers and inspectors with nuclear-grade or safety-critical experience.
• Digital engineering: simulation and modelling engineers, digital twin specialists, CAD/CAE designers and data engineers.
• Test and validation: test engineers, instrumentation and controls technicians, and verification specialists.
• Supply chain and programme delivery: supplier development engineers, project managers, planners and commercial specialists.
• Skilled trades and technicians: machinists, fabricators, maintenance and manufacturing technicians, plus apprentices.

Many of these roles will also require UK security clearance. Consequently, every hire takes longer. The market is already short of nuclear and defence-cleared engineers. So, 17,500 new roles in one region will intensify competition for experienced talent.

Why it matters beyond defence

INFINITY will serve defence, fission, fusion and aerospace from the same facilities. As a result, it becomes a meeting point for the sectors we recruit into. Skills will therefore move between them more freely than before.

• Energy: the same HIP, welding and additive processes also underpin civil nuclear, small modular reactors and fusion. Similarly, UK Fusion Energy’s involvement ties the park to the STEP programme.
• Transport: aerospace components sit within INFINITY’s remit. In addition, the park is close to Derby’s established rail and aero engineering base.
• Defence: the submarine enterprise gives long-term, stable demand. This includes Astute, Dreadnought and AUKUS commitments.

For engineers, that crossover is good news. For instance, experience on a defence prototype can open doors in energy or aerospace. However, for employers it means competing with organisations outside their own sector.

What employers hiring for defence engineering jobs should do now

Do you operate in the East Midlands, or in the defence, nuclear or aerospace supply chain? If so, the time to plan is before the park reaches full capacity.

1. Map your critical skills. First, identify which roles overlap with INFINITY’s capabilities. Then, check where you are most exposed to losing people.
2. Review pay and benefits. A new cluster of this scale will move market rates for specialist engineers.
3. Build clearance into your timelines. Start vetting early. Also, consider cleared contractors to bridge gaps.
4. Look beyond your sector. For example, engineers from automotive, rail, or oil and gas often bring transferable expertise.
5. Invest in early careers. Apprenticeships and graduate schemes will matter more as experienced talent becomes scarce.
6. Engage with the supply chain programme. INFINITY is bringing in suppliers, universities and skills providers. Joining that network therefore gives access to people as well as facilities.

Advice for candidates seeking defence engineering jobs

For engineers and technicians, this is a chance to build skills in technologies the UK is actively growing. In particular, experience in HIP, beam welding, additive manufacturing, NDT or nuclear-grade quality will be scarce. Moreover, those skills transfer across defence, energy and aerospace.

If you are already cleared, or eligible for clearance, your profile will be especially valuable. On the other hand, if you are coming from another sector, focus your CV on transferable work. For example, highlight materials, process control, qualification and safety-critical delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rolls-Royce Submarines and INFINITY partnership?

It is a strategic partnership announced on 6 November 2026. Under it, the two will develop large-scale prototypes of advanced defence components in Derby. In addition, it adds UK capacity in hot isostatic pressing, power beam welding and additive manufacturing.

How many jobs will the INFINITY technology park create?

The project is expected to create an estimated 17,500 skilled jobs. As a result, it will support the wider East Midlands economy.

What defence engineering jobs will be in demand?

Expect demand for welding, materials, additive manufacturing, NDT, quality and test roles. Digital engineering and programme roles will also be needed. However, many will require UK security clearance.

Where is INFINITY based?

INFINITY is based at Infinity Park in Derby, within the East Midlands Investment Zone. It also has good links to the M1, East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Airport.

How EMBS Talent Group can help

EMBS Talent Group connects engineering and technical professionals with employers across transport, energy and defence. So, whether you are scaling a team or looking for your next role, our specialist consultants can help.

Hiring? Talk to us about permanent, contract and project-based recruitment for engineering and technical roles.

Looking for your next move? Register with EMBS and browse our latest defence engineering jobs.

Source

Rolls-Royce Submarines partners with INFINITY to develop new capabilities for UK defence, Rolls-Royce, 6 November 2026