Engineer - Plant Performance

Rolls-royce; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the United Kingdom requires a Senior Engineer to analyze the performance of nuclear power stations. This hybrid role involves applying expertise in fluid dynamics and thermal processes to deliver assessments and validate performance assumptions. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field and experience with analysis software. The position offers a competitive salary between £48,000‑£63,000, a performance bonus, and extensive benefits including pension and private healthcare.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus of 12.5%

Benefits allowance of £2,200 per annum

12% employer pension contributions

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes.
• Hands-on experience using industry-standard fluids and thermal analysis software.
• Proven ability to develop performance analysis models for complex energy systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyse thermodynamic performance of the nuclear power station.
• Deliver periodic plant performance assessments aligned with design iterations.
• Validate plant performance assumptions.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermal processes

Performance analysis

Python programming

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Chartered Engineer preferred

Tools

RELAP

FLOMASTER

Job description

Role Overview

Senior Engineer – Plant Performance. Locations: Hybrid working, primary site in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington. Salary: £48,000‑£63,000 DOE. The Performance & Analysis team is the centre of excellence within Rolls‑Royce SMR for the engineering analysis that substantiate the performance and safety of the nuclear power station.

You will analyse the performance of the nuclear power station, considering thermodynamic performance under steady‑state operation and across potential transients. The scope covers the complete energy conversion system: reactor heat, steam cycle conversion, cooling water provision, and electrical power generation. You will deliver periodic plant performance assessments aligned with design iterations, validate plant performance assumptions, and support subsequent system and component design. Additionally, you will develop and implement probabilistic performance assessments to support uncertainty analysis and Robust Design practices. You will also play a key role in ensuring quality of outputs through rigorous process adherence, code validation, and continuous improvement of methods and tools. Effective communication and collaboration across engineering and non‑engineering disciplines is essential. You will plan your own work, ensure objectives are met, quality processes followed, and delivery on schedule. Senior engineers will also apply technical expertise to support capability development, staff growth, and lead technical areas or interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Analyse thermodynamic performance of the nuclear power station under steady‑state and transient conditions.
• Deliver periodic plant performance assessments aligned with design iterations.
• Validate plant performance assumptions and provide functional data for design iterations.
• Develop and implement probabilistic performance assessments for uncertainty analysis.
• Ensure quality of outputs through rigorous process adherence, support code validation, and continuous improvement of methods and tools.
• Communicate and collaborate with teams across a wide range of engineering and non‑engineering disciplines.
• Plan, manage, and deliver own work packages on time, cost, and quality.
• Support capability development and staff across the technical function and lead technical areas or interfaces.

Qualifications & Skills

• 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.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary: £48,000‑£63,000 DOE.
• Performance‑related bonus target opportunity: 12.5 %
• Benefits allowance: £2,200 per annum to create a bespoke package.
• Pension: 12 % employer and 6 % employee contributions.
• 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover health care.
• Life Assurance – 6 × pensionable pay.
• One‑off £250 payment for new starters for home office purchases.

Why Join Us?

You will 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.