Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Test Rigs) - Submarines

ZipRecruiter; Etwall CP; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm based in Derby is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support the design of test rigs for submarines. The role involves generating requirements, applying engineering principles to designs, and collaborating with multi-discipline teams. The ideal candidate has experience in regulated industries and holds a degree in mechanical engineering. The position offers a hybrid work model and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee support

Discounts

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience specifying, designing, justifying, building and commissioning complex mechanical and fluid systems.
• Experience operating complex fluid/chemical or mechanical systems is desirable.
• Experience using first principles to justify design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Generating requirements, scoping work, and planning tasks in conjunction with stakeholders.
• Integrating design with health and safety principles into credible technical solutions.
• Collaborating with multi-discipline teams to deliver test data.

Skills

Experience in a heavily regulated industry

Track record delivering solutions to time, cost, quality

Sound knowledge of engineering principles

Experience producing detailed component and assembly drawings

Understanding of design processes and safety assessment tools

Education

Degree in mechanical engineering or design engineering discipline

Tools

Unigraphics NX

Teamcenter

Job description

Overview

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Test Rigs) – Submarines. Full time, Derby/Hybrid. The role supports the design of new multi-million-pound test rigs and modifications to existing rigs at the Centre of Excellence for Engineering Test Laboratory, Raynesway, Derby. The business focuses on propulsion system design and development for the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet, managing plant design, safety, manufacture, performance and through-life support.

Rolls-Royce seeks a capable engineer to undertake test rig design within the Design & Execution team in the Submarines business in Derby. The environment emphasizes care, belonging, and opportunity for career growth.

We offer an inclusive, innovative culture with development opportunities, a competitive salary and exceptional benefits, including bonus, employee support, and discounts. Hybdrid working is available with a locally managed, flexible arrangement. On-site collaboration is expected approximately three days per week.

What you will be doing

• Generating requirements, scoping work, and planning tasks in conjunction with stakeholders.
• Applying first principles to mechanical designs and using fluid flow and thermal-hydraulic theory to justify design decisions around system layout, component selection, sizing, manufacturability and fit-for-function.
• Integrating design with health and safety principles and considerations from other disciplines into credible technical solutions and arguments.
• Collaborating with multi-discipline teams, internal resources, external design partners and equipment suppliers to be the design intent owner for a range of rigs delivering test data for R&T, verification and validation, component qualification and through-life performance requirements.

Who we're looking for

• Experience in a heavily regulated industry (e.g., Aerospace, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Energy, Water or Nuclear).
• Experience specifying, designing, justifying, building and commissioning complex mechanical and fluid systems.
• Track record delivering solutions to time, cost and quality against customer requirements.
• Sound knowledge of engineering principles, process safety and applicable codes and standards.
• Experience producing detailed component and assembly drawings to a high standard including GD&T.
• Experience using Unigraphics NX and Teamcenter is highly desirable.
• Experience operating complex fluid/chemical or mechanical systems is desirable.
• Understanding of design processes and safety assessment tools (e.g., HAZOPs/FMEAs).
• Degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or another design engineering discipline.

Security and Diversity

To work for the Rolls-Royce Submarines business, the individual must hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if not already in place. Roles require eligibility to work in the UK or MoD-approved dual cases. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote a diverse, inclusive workforce that values different perspectives.

Additional information

Posting Date: 03 Sept 2025; Posting End Date: 10 Sept 2025. Location: Derby, ENG - DE23 8NX. Job Category: Mechanical Systems.