Role Title: Thermofluids Modelling Engineer (Reactor Faults)
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. This is a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; it’s a legacy.
About The Role
As a performance analyst, you will model fluid and thermal systems that extract power from the nuclear core and ensure safe operation of the reactor. You will produce models and analyses that demonstrate reactor operation and work closely with system designers to optimise the design of the plant and its safety systems to maximise safety, performance, and value for money. Analysis outputs feed the safety case and support overall substantiation of the power station design. You will also author analysis sections of the safety case.
Key scenarios you will analyse:
* Normal operations: reactor must produce power and respond to grid demand changes
* Operating transients: shutting down the reactor and restarting it for refuelling
* Reactor faults: passive safety systems protect the core and maintain containment integrity
Due to the safety‑critical nature of the modelling, excellent quality‑management processes and code verification, validation and uncertainty quantification are essential. You will develop robust and automated analysis routes around analysis codes, primarily in Python on Linux‑based high‑performance computing resources.
You will collaborate with the in‑house test capability team that builds large‑scale multi‑megawatt test rigs to validate performance analysis tools. Opportunities exist to benchmark codes against test data and support test rig designs and associated campaigns.
Effective communication and collaboration across a wide range of engineering and non‑engineering disciplines is essential. You will plan your own work, ensuring objectives are met, quality processes are followed, and delivery is on schedule. Depending on experience, you may support technical capability development or lead technical areas or interfaces.
We’ll need you to
* Model reactor systems and produce analyses that demonstrate safe and efficient operation
* Work closely with system designers to optimise plant design and safety systems
* Support development and authoring of safety case documentation
* Collaborate across teams to define analysis requirements and communicate results
Key skills required
* Understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes with structured analysis approaches
* Experience with industry‑standard fluids and thermal analysis software; familiarity with nuclear thermal hydraulics tools (RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, GOTHIC desirable)
* Ability to develop analysis methods, models, and tools, including Python‑based solutions, to support design and safety case development
* Skilled in writing clear, structured analysis reports and contributing to safety case documentation
* Experience in verification and validation of analysis models, including benchmarking, uncertainty quantification, and adherence to software QA processes
* Knowledge of safety‑critical plant systems in nuclear, oil & gas, or aerospace industries; nuclear‑specific knowledge desirable but not essential
* Track record of delivering analysis tasks on time, cost, and quality, with strong communication and leadership skills
* Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science; Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) preferred
Location
Hybrid working with one of the following primary sites: Derby, Manchester, or Warrington.
Salary and package
The salary band ranges from £42,000 to £55,150, depending on skills, values, and knowledge you bring. Flexibility with starting salary may be considered in exceptional cases, and there is potential to develop the role further.
Benefits include
* Bonus – performance‑related target opportunity 12.5%
* Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
* Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
* Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays), with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
* Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
* Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
* Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters
Selection process
Closing date: 10th May 2026. The process starts with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by first‑round interviews.
Why join us?
* A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
* Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
* A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our application process
* Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
* Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
* Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
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