At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain fluid-thermal analysis methods for reactor safety and performance.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative power solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the nuclear industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science; Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 55150 £ per year.
The Performance & Analysis team leads the engineering analysis that substantiates the performance and safety of SMR power stations. As a Methods Development Engineer, you will develop, verify and maintain fluid‑thermal analysis methods and associated tools to support reactor plant and containment transient and fault analysis.
Responsibilities
- Develop, verify and maintain fluid‑thermal analysis methods for reactor and containment analysis.
- Translate system design data into robust analysis models following modelling guidelines and good practice.
- Develop and maintain analysis tooling using modern, object‑oriented Python; apply best practices in code structure, performance and maintainability.
- Use Git‑based workflows for configuration control and collaboration; contribute to automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines.
- Work closely with analysts to gather requirements and ensure that methods meet analysis needs.
- Interface with system designers to ensure accurate modelling of plant configurations.
- Produce high‑quality technical outputs suitable for nuclear safety‑case substantiation.
- Plan and manage own work to meet programme milestones and quality requirements.
- Support knowledge‑sharing and mentoring activities within the team.
Qualifications
- Experience in fluids or thermal‑hydraulic analysis using a structured, methodical approach.
- Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes.
- Experience writing analysis reports or contributing to safety‑case documentation.
- Experience with industry‑standard fluid‑thermal analysis tools.
- Experience developing analysis methods, models or tools in Python.
- Familiarity with software‑engineering best practices, testing and quality assurance.
- Experience verifying and validating analysis tools and models.
- Understanding of uncertainty quantification and benchmarking methods.
- Knowledge of power‑generation or other safety‑critical industries.
- Desired: Nuclear thermal‑hydraulics experience (RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, GOTHIC).
- Strong communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Degree‑qualified in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related discipline.
Location & Working Arrangements
Hybrid working with primary sites in Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary band: £42,000 – £55,150 (dependent on skills, values and knowledge).
- Performance‑related bonus target of up to 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 option 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.
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.
Methods Development Engineer employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
Rolls-Royce SMR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Performance & Analysis team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a supportive environment for knowledge sharing, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements across our primary sites in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington. Our competitive salary package, performance-related bonuses, and comprehensive benefits ensure that our employees are well-rewarded for their contributions to the safety and performance of nuclear power generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Methods Development Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Rolls-Royce SMR. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got experience with Python or fluid-thermal analysis tools, be ready to discuss specific projects or challenges you've tackled. Real examples make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermal processes. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Rolls-Royce SMR.
We think you need these skills to ace Methods Development Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fluid-thermal analysis and Python development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When writing your application, emphasise your familiarity with industry-standard tools and software engineering best practices. Mention any experience you have with Git workflows or automated testing frameworks, as these are key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your past experiences and achievements, especially those related to safety-case documentation and analysis methods. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Fluid Dynamics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role, especially in relation to reactor and containment analysis. Having specific examples from your past experience will really help you stand out.
✨Show Off Your Python Skills
Since the role involves developing analysis tools using Python, be prepared to talk about your coding experience. Bring examples of projects where you've applied object-oriented programming principles and best practices. If you can, demonstrate your familiarity with Git-based workflows too!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to fluid-thermal analysis methods and industry-standard tools. Review any relevant software you've used, like RELAP or FLOMASTER, and be ready to explain how you've verified and validated analysis tools in the past. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key, especially when interfacing with system designers and analysts. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to work across multidisciplinary teams. Remember, clarity can make a huge difference in how your ideas are received!