Performance Specialist Engineer

Rolls-Royce; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis, IN is seeking a Performance Specialist Engineer to work with cross-functional teams to design power and propulsion systems and support customer engagements related to performance optimization.

This role requires advanced degrees per qualifications, ability to obtain U.S. security clearance, and will involve modeling, simulations, testing support, and communication with customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with ≥7 years of thermodynamics/gas dynamics experience.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with ≥5 years in the same areas.
• PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with related thermodynamics/engine design experience.
• U.S. citizen and eligibility to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform power and propulsion cycle analyses and predict performance via simulations to meet system requirements.
• Train others on NPSS models using thermodynamics, test analyses, and whole-engine sensitivities.
• Diagnose and resolve system-level issues in power, propulsion design, operability, and operation.
• Develop innovative solutions for power conversion and propulsion challenges.
• Influence thermodynamic cycles to optimize applications using robust engineering methods.
• Support propulsion testing, prepare technical reports, and present analyses.
• Communicate power and propulsion conclusions to customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Gas dynamics

Fluid mechanics

Engine design

NPSS knowledge

Programming languages

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

Tools

NPSS

Programming languages

Job description

Job Title

Performance Specialist Engineer

Location & Working Pattern

Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid – 3 days onsite on average)

Job Summary

A Performance Specialist Engineer will work with cross‑functional product teams to design innovative power and propulsion systems and support customer engagements related to cycle and system level performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Perform power and propulsion cycle analyses and predict performance using computer simulations and engineering methods to meet system requirements, considering steady‑state and transient performance.
• Exercise and train others on Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) models, applying thermodynamics principles, test analyses, and whole‑engine sensitivities.
• Diagnose and resolve system‑level issues in power and propulsion design, performance, operability, and operation.
• Develop innovative solutions for power conversion, aircraft propulsion systems, and novel engineering challenges.
• Influence thermodynamic system cycles to optimize applications using robust engineering techniques.
• Support propulsion systems performance testing, prepare technical reports, and present engineering analysis and results.
• Communicate power and propulsion performance conclusions to customers and stakeholders, both internal and external.

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 the same areas; or
• PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of design methodologies and multidisciplinary engineering concepts such as manufacturing, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, thermal and mechanical analysis.
• Ability to adapt to varying fidelity levels throughout project stages.
• Object‑oriented experience simulating/modelling gas turbine cycles, hybrid electric systems, cycle analysis, engine operability, sizing, and/or preliminary design analysis; NPSS experience and proficiency in programming languages.
• Expertise in statistical visualization tools.
• Knowledge of robust design techniques and principles.
• Collateral secret clearance or higher is highly desirable.

Benefits

Competitive salary with discretionary bonus, comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, 401(k) with company match, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, parental and family care leave, tuition reimbursement, and long‑term incentive plan. Hybrid working arrangement – attend office on average three days per week.

Additional Information

Relocation assistance is available. Eligible employees may work remotely from any state except Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Rolls‑Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics.

Closing Date: 07/17/2026