Senior Engineer - Thermofluids Model Validation

We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy. We are now recruiting for a Senior Engineer - Thermofluids Model Validation to join our Performance & Analysis team, the centre of excellence for engineering analysis used to substantiate the performance and safety of the SMR power station.

About The Role

Thermal hydraulic analysis codes are critical to modelling fluid and thermal systems that extract power from the nuclear core and ensure safe reactor operation. These codes underpin the design and safety case of the power station, so building confidence in their predictions is essential. You will technically lead a small team, working closely with method development and analysis teams to verify, validate, and quantify uncertainties in these codes. You’ll support activities across reactor plant transient and fault analysis, core sub‑channel analysis, and containment analysis.

Key Areas Of Responsibility Include:

• Validation – leading a team to benchmark analytical models against experimental data, develop new modelling approaches, and collaborate with test rig teams to define requirements and support test campaigns
• Verification – ensuring robust quality management processes and supporting automated analysis routes using Python on Linux‑based HPC systems
• Uncertainty Quantification – leading sensitivity studies and applying statistical approaches to understand uncertainties in model predictions, linking results to benchmarking data.

We’ll Need You To:

• Lead and develop analysis models, methods, and tools to support design and safety case development
• Define test rig requirements and interpret benchmarking data
• Apply structured approaches to verification and uncertainty quantification
• Communicate complex technical findings clearly and mentor junior engineers

Key Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes, with experience in structured analysis approaches
• Hands‑on experience with industry‑standard thermal hydraulics tools (RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, GOTHIC desirable)
• Ability to develop Python‑based analysis solutions and work on Linux HPC systems
• Skilled in writing clear, structured reports and contributing to safety case documentation
• Experience in verification, validation, benchmarking, and uncertainty quantification
• Knowledge of safety‑critical plant systems (nuclear, oil & gas, aerospace); nuclear‑specific experience desirable
• Degree‑qualified in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science; Chartered Engineer preferred

Location: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

Salary And Package:

The salary band for this will be between £50,650–£66,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and, in due course, there is the potential for you 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 – 6x pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward‑thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer a flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment, opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business, and a culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning. 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.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we’ll let you in on a secret: there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector‑jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process:

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• 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

Selection Process: The closing date for this role is 1st March 2026.