At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead thermal-hydraulic analysis and deliver high-quality CFD projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company in the nuclear and energy sectors.
- 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 innovative engineering while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Engineering or related field; experience with CFD tools required.
The predicted salary is between 50650 - 66500 £ per year.
As a Senior Engineer – CFD & Thermo‑fluids, you will lead the technical and programme delivery of thermal‑hydraulic analysis work packages across the SMR programme. You will act as both a technical author and reviewer, ensuring analysis outputs are robust, proportionate and aligned with programme governance and quality requirements. You will work closely with design, performance and safety teams, define analysis requirements, and scope appropriate levels of analysis. You will also contribute to method development, benchmarking, and validation of analysis tools, and may provide technical supervision, coaching and mentoring to junior engineers and supply‑chain partners.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and deliver high‑quality CFD and thermo‑fluid analysis across plant and system design
- Apply advanced 2D/3D CFD methods to assess internal flows, pressure drops, heat transfer and transient behaviour
- Use 1D fluid‑systems modelling to support system performance, sizing and operating philosophy
- Define, plan and review analysis work packages, ensuring proportionate and robust delivery
- Develop and apply new analysis methods, including VVUQ techniques
- Support validation and benchmarking of analysis tools using experimental and test‑rig data
- Generate clear, well‑documented analysis outputs and technical reports
- Develop and maintain automated analysis workflows, including pre‑ and post‑processing scripts
- Apply rigorous quality‑management and governance processes
- Provide technical oversight, coaching and review to support team capability development
- Communicate complex analysis clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders
Key skills and qualifications
- Strong understanding of applied fluid mechanics and heat‑transfer principles
- Demonstrated experience leading complex CFD analysis using ANSYS Fluent, CFX or Star‑CCM+
- Experience with pre‑ and post‑processing tools (e.g. SpaceClaim, MATLAB, Python)
- Experience with 1D system analysis tools such as Siemens Flomaster
- Experience developing or reviewing thermal‑hydraulic analysis methods
- Strong understanding of analysis QA, verification, validation and uncertainty quantification
- Experience scoping analysis to support design or safety‑case requirements
- Ability to plan and deliver analysis programmes, managing milestones, risks and interfaces
- Strong technical communication and report‑writing skills
- Knowledge of nuclear or other high‑integrity industries (beneficial but not essential)
- Degree‑qualified to Master’s level (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related discipline
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent), or working towards chartership
Location
Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington
Salary and package
The salary band for this role will be between £50,650 and £66,500, dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring.
Benefits
- 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
Applicant background
We welcome applicants from nuclear and non‑nuclear backgrounds, including aerospace, energy, defence, oil & gas and research environments.
Equal opportunity statement
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Senior Engineer - CFD & Thermofluids employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
As a Senior Engineer in CFD & Thermofluids, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With hybrid working options available in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and the opportunity to lead innovative projects while mentoring junior engineers. Our commitment to quality and collaboration ensures that you will be part of a team that values your expertise and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer - CFD & Thermofluids
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer - CFD & Thermofluids
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Engineer - CFD & Thermofluids, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rolls-Royce SMR Limited specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Rolls-Royce SMR Limited, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Rolls-Royce SMR Limited want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
