Rig Design Engineer

Rolls-Royce Corporation; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Annual Leave

Group Life Assurance

Income Protection

Employee Share Plans

Job summary

Rolls-Royce Corporation is seeking a Verification & Validation Rig Design Engineer for Bristol. Hybrid role with exposure to Tempest projects and gas turbine development testing.

You will lead rig test design activities, manage internal and external teams, and ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. The role emphasizes technical leadership, risk management, and ongoing process improvements, with opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to strategic development

Qualifications

• Technical Degree is essential with technical self-sufficiency in design engineering.
• Understanding of system engineering techniques.
• Experience in managing technical risk.
• Strong customer facing interpersonal skills with the desire to lead integrated teams.
• Proactive, organised with the ability to prioritise.
• Highly developed interpersonal and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Technically manage and oversee rig test vehicle solutions by internal & subcontract design/make work packages.
• Complete formal product definition checking and approval.
• Ensure design solutions meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support & coach the rigs test design supply chain by influencing technical content and quality.
• Engage in rig test design best practice and process improvement activities.
• Support professional development of rig designers.

Skills

Technical degree

System engineering

Risk management

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Education

Technical degree

Job description

Job Description V & V Rig Design Engineer Bristol Hybrid

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Verification & Validation Rig Design Engineer to join the Defence Development Rig team which is based in Bristol. The Defence Development Rig team define, support and execute rig testing for Development programmes within the Defence Sector. Rig tests vary in complexity from simple components to full sub system tests that allow our engineers to develop world class products. There is now the opportunity to join this exciting world class team in preparation for our future programmes including Tempest. The role will provide successful applicants with opportunities to expand their knowledge across all areas of gas turbine operation and development testing as well as give exposure to new and novel technologies. The successful candidate will have the confidence and ability to work as part of a team and take the lead on technical projects.

What you will be doing

• Technically manage and oversee rig test vehicle solutions by internal & subcontract design/ make work packages in line with Rolls-Royce design processes.
• Complete formal product definition checking and approval.
• Ensure design solutions meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support & coach the Rigs test design supply chain by influencing the technical content and quality of rig test designs both internal and externally.
• Engage in rig test design best practice and process improvement activities to maintain the efficiency of the work delivered by the Rig designs group.
• Support professional development of rig designers.

Who we’re looking for

• Technical Degree is essential, with technical self-sufficiency in the Design engineering discipline.
• Understanding of system engineering techniques.
• Experience in managing technical risk.
• Strong customer facing interpersonal skills with the desire to lead integrated teams.
• Proactive, organised with the ability to prioritise.
• Highly developed interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Stress analysis would be advantageous but is not essential.

Regional Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave
• Retirement Savings Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce Group
• Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

To work for the Rolls-Royce Defence business, you will need to hold a Security Check (SC) 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 - SNBG 7-10 Closing date - 22/10/26

Any questions please contact Chris Jefferies

Job Category Validation and Verification Posting Date 08 Oct 2026; 00:10 Posting End Date 21 Oct 2026 Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to our planet’s vital power needs.