Performance Specialist Engineer

Rolls-Royce; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus plan

Health, dental, vision, disability, &/

Life insurance

401(k) retirement with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Long-term incentive plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Rolls‑Royce is seeking a Performance Specialist Engineer in Indianapolis, IN, a hybrid role combining design and customer engagement to optimize power and propulsion cycles. You will work with cross‑functional teams to analyze cycles, perform simulations, and deliver actionable results to meet system requirements.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in thermodynamics, gas dynamics and engine design, with hands‑on NPSS experience and a drive to solve complex propulsion challenges in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 7+ years of experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design; OR
• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with 5+ years of experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design; OR
• PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design

Responsibilities

• Performing power and propulsion cycle analyses and performance predictions by utilizing computer simulations and engineering methods to satisfy an overall set of system requirements while taking into account steady state and transient performance considerations
• Exercising NPSS models and training others with Thermodynamics principles, Test Analyses, and Whole Engine Sensitivities
• Understanding system level issues related to power and propulsion system designs, performance, operability and operation
• Creating innovative solutions to systems related to power conversion, aircraft propulsion system, and novel engineering challenges
• Influencing thermodynamic system cycles for optimization of an application using robust engineering techniques
• Supporting propulsion systems performance testing, publishing technical reports, and presentation of technical engineering analysis and results
• Presenting power and propulsion systems performance conclusions to customers and stakeholders, both internal and external to Rolls‑Royce

Skills

Thermodynamics

Gas dynamics

Fluid mechanics

Engine design

System-level analysis

Power and propulsion

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics

PhD in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics

Tools

NPSS

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Performance Specialist Engineer

Working Pattern: Full time

Working location: Indianapolis, IN./Hybrid (3 days onsite on avg.)

Relocation assistance is provided as needed for this opportunity.

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

As a Performance Specialist Engineer with Rolls-Royce, you will play a key role within cross‑functional product teams engineering and designing innovative power and propulsion systems. This role will also require supporting customer engagements as it pertains to cycle and system level performance optimization.

What You Will Be Doing

• Performing power and propulsion cycle analyses and performance predictions by utilizing computer simulations and engineering methods to satisfy an overall set of system requirements while taking into account steady state and transient performance considerations
• Exercising Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) models and training others with utilizing Thermodynamics principles, Test Analyses, and Whole Engine Sensitivities
• Understanding system level issues related to power and propulsion system designs, performance, operability and operation
• Creating innovative solutions to systems related to power conversion, aircraft propulsion system, and novel engineering challenges
• Influencing thermodynamic system cycles for optimization of an application using robust engineering techniques
• Supporting propulsion systems performance testing, publishing technical reports, and presentation of technical engineering analysis and results
• Presenting power and propulsion systems performance conclusions to customers and stakeholders, both internal and external to Rolls‑Royce

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor`s degree in Engineering, with 7+ years of experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design; OR,
• A Master`s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with 5+ years of experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design; OR,
• A PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design
• This position requires access to highly sensitive Rolls-Royce North American technical information; you must be eligible to obtain and maintain security clearance, which requires USA Citizenship

Preferred Requirements

• Strong technical knowledge in design methodologies with an understanding of multi-discipline engineering concepts such as manufacturing engineering, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, thermal and mechanical analysis so as to meet manufacturer or government objectives of current and future technologies
• Ability to discern and adapt to the varying levels of fidelity required throughout the various stages of projects
• Object oriented experience simulating/modelling gas turbine cycles, hybrid electric systems, cycle analysis, engine operability, sizing and/or preliminary design analysis. NPSS Experience in thermodynamic cycle modelling and proficiency in computer programming languages
• Authoritative knowledge of visualization techniques of statistical software tools.
• Knowledge of robust design techniques and principles
• A minimum collateral secret clearance or above is highly desired

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 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.

Infinite Potential

Closing Date: October 30, 2026

Job Category

Mechanical Systems

Pay Range

Pay ranges for remote employees are based on the state where the employee resides and may vary from the posted range.

$114,400 - $185,900-Annually

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Benefits

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

Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including

• 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

The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.