Engineer - Plant Performance

Role Title: Engineer – Plant Performance 

Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

We anticipate paying a salary between  £40,000-£52,500 DOE.

The Performance & Analysis team is the centre of excellence within Rolls-Royce SMR for the engineering analysis used to substantiate the performance and safety of the power station. Within this team we opportunities for Plant Performance Engineers and Senior Plant Performance Engineers.  

Performance engineers are responsible for technical and programme delivery of work packages which could include design of plant architectures, analysis of normal operation and faulted plant conditions, development of analysis models, methods and tools and experimental validation and benchmarking. Senior engineers may be responsible for technical supervision of a small team delivering similar work packages in additional to their own work. 
 
About the role:
As a Plant Performance Engineer, you will analyse the performance of the nuclear power station. This may involve the consideration of thermodynamic performance of the plant under steady-state operation and / or the power station behaviour across a range of potential transients. The scope includes the complete energy conversion system, including heat generated in the reactor, steam cycle conversion, cooling water provision and the generation of electrical power.  

You will deliver plant performance assessments on a periodic basis aligned with design iterations across the engineering function. These assessments will be used to validate the plant performance assumptions and as a source of functional data for subsequent system and component design iterations.  

You will develop and implement methodologies for probabilistic performance assessments to support uncertainty analysis and Robust Design practices. 
All performance engineers have a role in ensuring the quality of outputs through rigorous process adherence, supporting code validation activities and supporting the continuous improvement of our methods and tools.  

As performance analysis supports the development and substantiation of many aspects of the power station design, effective communication and collaboration with teams across a wide range engineering and non-engineering disciplines is essential. Staff should be flexible to evolving nature of the ongoing design programme and proactive in collaborating with other teams in developing analysis requirements and communicating results.  

All performance engineers are responsible for planning their own work to ensure that objectives are met, quality processes are followed, and delivery is on schedule. Senior performance engineers will additionally be expected to apply technical expertise to support the development of capability and staff across the technical function, or take on leadership of technical areas or interfaces with other areas of the business. 

As we strive to find the best fit for this position, we are seeking individuals with a minimum level of experience, training, and qualification. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as the 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

The key selection criteria for this role are:

• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes, with experience applying structured, methodical approaches to performance analysis. 
• Hands-on experience using industry-standard fluids and thermal analysis software; familiarity with nuclear thermal hydraulics tools (RELAP, FLOMASTER) desirable. 
• Proven ability to develop performance analysis models and methods to support robust design of complex energy systems. 
• Experience in developing probabilistic analysis methods and tools, including Python-based solutions. 
• Skilled in verification and validation of analysis models, including benchmarking, uncertainty quantification, and adherence to software QA processes. 
• Knowledge of safety-critical plant systems in industries such as nuclear, oil & gas, or aerospace; nuclear-specific knowledge desirable but not essential. 
• Track record of delivering analysis tasks to time, cost, and quality, with strong communication and leadership skills. 
• Degree-qualified in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science; Chartered Engineer (or working toward chartership) preferred.

Salary and Package:

• We anticipate paying a salary between  £40,000-£52,500 DOE
• Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%  
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package   
• Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions. 
• Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.   
• Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care   
• Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay  
• £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases  

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.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

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