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.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.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 purchasesYou'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 We are Rolls-Royce SMR A career with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future. We're proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we're a strengths-based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls-Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents. Our culture At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge. Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture.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.