Reactor Fault Studies Analyst

Role Title: Reactor Fault Studies Analyst

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.

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 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.  Multiple opportunities are open across all areas of thermal hydraulic plant performance and safety analysis including reactor plant transient and fault analysis, core sub-channel analysis and containment analysis.

About the role:
As a performance analyst, you will model fluid and thermal systems that extract power from the nuclear core and ensure safe operation of the reactor. This will involve producing models and analyses that demonstrate operation of the reactor and working closely with system designers to optimise the design of the plant and its safety systems to maximise safety, performance, and value for money. Analysis outputs form a key input to the safety case and support the overall substantiation of the power station design. Performance analysts have a key role in supporting the development of and authoring analysis sections of the safety case. 

The team uses a wide variety of tools and software to analyse key scenarios for the plant, including: 

• Normal operations, when the reactor must produce power and respond to changes in demand from the grid. 
• Operating transients such as shutting down the reactor and then restarting it for refuelling. 
• Reactor faults, where passive safety systems are key to protecting the core and ensuring the integrity of the containment. 

Due to the safety-critical nature of the modelling we undertake, excellent quality-management processes and code verification, validation and uncertainty quantification are essential. The development of robust and automated analysis routes around the analysis codes, primarily developed using Python on our Linux based high-performance computing resources is an important aspect of this. 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. 

The performance team collaborates closely with our in-house test capability team, who are building large-scale multi-megawatt test rigs to represent key aspects of the plant to support the validation of the performance analysis tools. There are opportunities within the team to work on benchmarking of our codes against test data, and support the development of the test rig designs and associated test campaigns. 

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. Depending on your personal level of experience, there may also be the potential to apply your technical expertise to support the development of capability 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 analysis approaches. 
• Hands-on experience using industry-standard fluids and thermal analysis software; familiarity with nuclear thermal hydraulics tools (RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, GOTHIC) desirable. 
• Proven ability to develop analysis methods, models, and tools, including Python-based solutions, to support design and safety case development. 
• Skilled in writing clear, structured analysis reports and contributing to safety case documentation. 
• Experience 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 equivalent) 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