Performance Specialist Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Long-term incentive plan

Job summary

Rolls-Royce plc in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Performance Specialist Engineer to join cross-functional teams working on innovative power and propulsion systems. The role emphasizes cycle analyses, modeling, and performance optimization for both steady state and transient operations.

You will engage with customers and internal stakeholders, apply NPSS tools, and contribute to design improvements while maintaining security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 7+ years in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, or engine design.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with 5+ years 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

Responsibilities

• Performing power and propulsion cycle analyses and performance predictions by utilizing computer simulations and engineering methods to satisfy system requirements with steady state and transient considerations.
• Exercising NPSS models and training others in Thermodynamics, Test Analyses, and Whole Engine Sensitivities.
• Understanding system level issues related to power and propulsion designs, performance, operability and operation.
• Creating innovative solutions to systems related to power conversion, aircraft propulsion, and novel engineering challenges.
• Influencing thermodynamic cycles for optimization using robust engineering techniques.
• Supporting propulsion systems performance testing, publishing technical reports, and presenting analyses.
• Presenting conclusions to customers and stakeholders internal and external to Rolls-Royce

Skills

Thermodynamics

Gas dynamics

Fluid mechanics

Engine design

NPSS

Programming

Visualization tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

Tools

NPSS

Thermodynamic modelling

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.

Global Grade/Level: Level C

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

About the Company

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Other Details

Infinite Potential

Closing Date: 09/18/2026 #CLOENG #CLOLI Job Category Mechanical Systems Job Posting Date 01 Sep 2026; 00:09

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
• and 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.

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