Engineer building in Derby

Novel Cycles Engineer Derby - Moor Lane

Rolls-Royce Future Technology wishes to recruit a Novel Cycles Engineer with skills in thermodynamic cycles design and performance modelling with application to the critical assessment of new and novel power generation and gas turbine cycles. Experience with modelling unconventional advanced cycles is essential including the proficient use of appropriate simulation, design and integration tools.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic, agile and creative team, directly reporting to the Chief of Emerging Technologies and working closely with specialists across Future Technologies and Future Programmes. This is an exciting role focused on the assessment of new and emerging disruptive technologies and system level concepts as we navigate Rolls-Royce's future through the energy transition agenda and journey to Net Zero.

The Emerging Technologies team run the companies Horizon Scanning process where new disruptive technology threats and opportunities need careful scientific appraisal. You will help provide underpinning scientific understanding of cycle-level benefits introduced by new system architectures and novel working fluids and technologies, and how far state-of-the-art technology can be pushed. The output of your work will supplement work done by Future Platforms, within Future Technology, to assess system level economics and business case, which together help inform future product strategy in our journey to Net Zero.

Day-to-day responsibilities include process modelling and simulation, leading benchmarking studies to inform and help steer company strategy and presenting to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• A relevant postgraduate research degree is highly desirable.
• As a minimum a degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or other related technical discipline is required with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of thermodynamics.
• Cycles modelling skills are essential including proficient use of tools such as Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS).
• Experience of modelling chemical processes is desirable.
• We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and interest in a range of different sectors and technologies.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills are a must with a flair for presenting complex subjects to diverse audiences.
• We are looking for someone who can deal with ambiguity and be self-directed, in addition to passion and genuine curiosity about environmental sustainability and technology and how we can make a difference to our world.
• We are a small but diverse team so we are looking for people who can operate in a collaborative and open environment.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives which are crucial to innovation and problem solving. We believe the more diverse perspectives we have, the more successful we'll be. By building a culture of caring and belonging, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Closing date: 20th February 2026

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.