Experimental Engineer (Thermal Hydraulic Testing) - Submarines

Rolls-Royce; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Derby seeks an Experimental Engineer to manage testing strategies for submarines. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and experience in experimental testing. You will work in a collaborative environment focused on safety and innovation, contributing to technical developments and stakeholder requirements. This role offers opportunities for career growth within a diverse team.

Qualifications

• Experience of conducting experimental testing to support technical development.
• Understanding measurement techniques and progression through Technology Readiness Levels.
• Basic Programme Management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the interface between Experimental Engineering and stakeholders.
• Manage the creation of facilities and design of experiments.
• Execute experimental test programmes and manage laboratory work.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in relevant engineering or science-based subject

Job description

Job Description

Experimental Engineer - Submarines

Full Time

Derby

Overview

The Experimental Engineering team own the strategy and testing for all Experimental Verification and Validation capability within the business (supporting in-service boats through to future boat projects and new technologies being investigated). This includes determining the most efficient way to obtain test data, developing appropriate test programmes to support technical customers, and managing the delivery of the enabling work for a test programme. The enabling work is likely to include activities for: new rig development, existing rig modifications, test procedure development, managing the collection of raw test data, and the processing of raw test data to produce quality results for technical customers. This is also a technical integration role where the individual will work to support engineering customers, designers, and operators to develop capabilities and engineering solutions to meet business drivers and data requirements.

Responsibilities

• Own the interface between Experimental Engineering, specialists (e.g. thermo-hydraulics, signature etc), operators, and rig designers to elicit and validate stakeholder requirements.
• Ensure sufficient rigor is applied to test requirements definition, to effectively identify and manage technical risk.
• Manage the creation of facility, the sourcing of measurement equipment, and determining the design of experiments to provide appropriate quality test data meeting the specialist's predefined requirements.
• Advancing new measurement technologies through the Technology Readiness Levels.
• Execute Experimental test programmes by managing (large rigs) and/or conducting (small rigs) laboratory work.
• Support and coach the customers in the wider business regarding Experimental Validation and Verification activities, driving the correct V&V behaviours.
• There is the potential for working with University Technology Centres and external research institutes, as well as engagements with the Ministry of Defence.

Why Rolls-Royce?

Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. We design, build and service systems that provide critical power to customers where safety and reliability are paramount.

We are proud to be a force for progress, powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

We want to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that has shaped our history continues into our future and we need people like you to come and join us on this journey.

A number of exciting opportunities have arisen in the Rolls-Royce Submarines Technical Development Department, where a new team has been formed and deliver a large body of experimental testing that the business is planning to do now and in the future. This is a great opportunity get involved in setting the vision for how we do experimental testing going forward.

We'll provide an environment of caring and belonging where you can be yourself. An inclusive, innovative culture that invests in you, gives you access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities where you can grow your career and make a difference.

Who we're looking for

At Rolls-Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviours that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.

To be successful in this role, the following experience is desirable:

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or science-based subject.
• Experience of conducting experimental testing to support technical development or V&V, relevant to engineering.
• Understanding measurement techniques, methods, and accuracies and/or progressing new technologies through the Technology Readiness Levels.
• Determining and validating customer requirements using Systems Engineering techniques.
• Test request compilation, test programme development and/or test programme leadership.
• Basic Programme Management.
• An understanding of fluid dynamics and/or heat transfer.
• Good interpersonal, time management and problem-solving skills.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk.

The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives which are crucial to innovation and problem solving. We believe the more diverse perspectives we have, the more successful we'll be. By building a culture of caring and belonging, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

You can learn more about our global Inclusion strategy at

Our people | Rolls-Royce

To work for the Rolls-Royce Submarines business an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MoD approved cases, a dual national.

Grade: NGS 6-10

Job Category
Validation and Verification

Posting Date
15 Sept 2025; 00:09

Posting End Date
04 Oct 2025