Engineer - Plant Performance

Cox Automotive; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions company is seeking a Senior Plant Performance Engineer to analyze the performance of nuclear power stations, focusing on fluid dynamics and thermal analysis. This hybrid role offers a salary range of £48,000 to £63,000 depending on experience. You will engage in performance assessments and develop methodologies for analysis. A degree in Engineering or related fields is required, along with strong communication and analytical skills. Experience with Python and industry-standard tools is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes.
• Experience using industry-standard fluids and thermal analysis software.
• Proven ability to develop performance analysis models and methods.

Responsibilities

• Analyze performance of the nuclear power station's energy conversion system.
• Deliver periodic plant performance assessments aligned with design iterations.
• Develop methodologies for probabilistic performance assessments.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermal processes

Performance analysis

Python programming

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Tools

RELAP

FLOMASTER

Job description

Senior Plant Performance Engineer – Rolls‑Royce SMR

Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following primary sites: Derby, Manchester or Warrington. Salary range: £48,000‑£63,000 DOE.

Responsibilities

Performance engineers are responsible for the technical and programme delivery of work packages that may include design of plant architectures, analysis of normal operating and faulted plant conditions, development of analysis models, methods and tools, as well as experimental validation and benchmarking.

Senior engineers may oversee a small team delivering similar work packages in addition to managing their own projects.

As a Senior Plant Performance Engineer you will analyse the performance of the nuclear power station, considering thermodynamic performance under steady‑state operation and across a range of potential transients. The scope covers the entire energy conversion system—from reactor heat generation to steam cycle conversion, cooling water provision, and electrical power generation.

You will deliver periodic plant performance assessments aligned with design iterations across the engineering function. These assessments validate plant performance assumptions and provide functional data for subsequent system and component design iterations.

Methodologies for probabilistic performance assessments will be developed and implemented to support uncertainty analysis and Robust Design practices.

All performance engineers ensure the quality of outputs through rigorous process adherence. They support code validation activities and continuous improvement of our methods and tools.

Effective communication and collaboration across a wide range of engineering and non‑engineering disciplines is essential. Staff must be flexible to the evolving nature of the ongoing design programme and proactive in collaborating with other teams to develop analysis requirements and communicate results.

Senior performance engineers will additionally apply technical expertise to support the development of capability and staff across the technical function, or lead technical areas or interfaces with other areas of the business.

Qualifications

• 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.

If you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.