Performance Engineer New Product Introduction

Rolls-Royce plc; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid Time Off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Rolls-Royce plc in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Performance Engineer to join the Global System Engineering and Product Performance Capability. The role focuses on design, simulation and verification of engines and power systems at the whole-system level, using first principles and 1D thermodynamics to predict performance and support certification needs.

Responsibilities include propulsion cycle analysis, NPSS-based engine modeling, and training others in engine performance thermodynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with related thermodynamics/engine issues.
• Master's or PhD preferred with engine design/thermodynamics experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform propulsion cycle analysis and performance predictions via computer simulations.
• Engine modeling using NPSS.
• Train others in Engine Performance Thermodynamics, Test Analysis and Whole Engine Sensitivities.
• Gather, manage and disseminate requirements across internal and external customers.
• Support propulsion systems testing and publish technical reports.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Gas dynamics

Fluid mechanics

Engine design

Python

MATLAB

C++

Robust design

Engine tests

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

Master's degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

Tools

NPSS

JMP

Job description

Working Pattern

Full time

Working Location

Indianapolis, IN/Hybrid (3 days week onsite avg.)

Relocation assistance is available for this position as applicable.

Why Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you’ll have the opportunity to create world-class power and propulsion solutions, pushing your problem-solving and ingenuity, to deliver real impact that puts safety first. You’ll be given responsibility and the opportunity to grow in our high-performance culture. This is Infinite Potential. And it’s your chance to really shine and contribute to one of the world’s most recognized brands and a beacon for engineering excellence.

Position Summary

The Performance Engineer role is part of the Global System Engineering and Product Performance Capability. The Performance role involves design, simulation, and verification of engines/power systems at a whole system level to predict and verify system attributes which come from the integration of sub-system components This role encompasses a broad range of technical activities, including the development of computer models from engineering first principles, 1D thermodynamic simulation, empirical modeling, and understanding certification requirements and physical testing. The Performance Engineer will also leverage integration skills to gather and disseminate requirements, data, and product knowledge across diverse stakeholders, such as internal sub-system and component teams, airframers, regulatory authorities, and customers.

What you will be doing

• Performing propulsion cycle analysis and performance predictions by creating computer simulation to satisfy an overall set of system requirements with Steady State and Transient Performance understanding.
• Engine modeling using Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS).
• Training others in Engine Performance Thermodynamics, Test Analysis, and Whole Engine Sensitivities.
• Understanding system level issues related to propulsion system design, performance, operability and operation- Gather, manage and disseminate requirements from/to a range of internal and external customers.
• Supporting propulsion systems performance testing and publishing technical reports and conducting technical presentation of engineering analysis and results.
• Applying appropriate process and technical knowledge to ensure engineering solutions meet customer requirements and ensuring work conducted in the deployed teams is compliant to the engineering processes.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor`s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with 2+ years’ experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design.
• A Master`s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design.
• PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in the performance-related support of the design and/or development of gas turbines.
• Proficiency in computer programming language such as Python, Matlab, Visual Basic, and/or C++.
• Knowledge of robust design techniques.
• Simulation/modelling of gas turbine cycles, hybrid electric systems, cycle analysis, engine operability, sizing and/or preliminary design analysis.
• Engine cycle design to meet aircraft manufacturers or government objectives including current and future technologies.
• NPSS.
• Experience in thermodynamic cycle modelling.
• Practiced experience with transient performance, including stability margin accounting and operability test planning and analysis.
• Background planning, executing, and analyzing engine tests.
• Experience with Functional Data for Design and Design Iteration Processes.
• Authoritative knowledge in robust design techniques and visualization including statistical software such as JMP.

Eligibility and Compliance

In order to be considered for this opportunity, you must be eligible to obtain and maintain security clearance, which requires USA Citizenship.

Salary and Working Hours

Contract type: Full time.

Pay Range

• Pay ranges for remote employees are based on the state where the employee resides and may vary from the posted range.
• $73,120 - $118,820-Annually

Benefits

Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan.

• health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• a flexible spending account
• a health savings account
• a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• certain paid holidays
• paid parental and family care leave
• tuition reimbursement
• a long-term incentive plan

Other Details

Job Category Mechanical Systems

Job Posting Date 17 Sep 2026; 00:09

Closing Date: October 2, 2026

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Our vision is to ensure that the quality and dynamism that shaped our history continues into our future. It’s a bold pursuit, and we never stop striving to go further, faster, and better. We lead progress, creating the technologies that move us forward. If you’re driven to grow, to learn, and to make a lasting difference, this is where you belong.

Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to our planet’s vital power needs.

Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics. We are committed to providing a respectful and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued and everyone can thrive.