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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and assess innovative aircraft performance solutions.
- Company: Rolls-Royce is a leading innovator in aerospace, committed to safety and reliability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that shape the future of aviation technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering with strong knowledge in aircraft design and performance.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Description
Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer
Full time
Derby
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer to join the Rolls-Royce Future Platforms team in Derby.
Why Rolls-Royce?
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.
By joining Rolls-Royce, you\’ll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
The Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer role is about being one of 2-3 aircraft and vehicle performance engineers in the Rolls-Royce Future Platforms team, part of Group R&T, tasked with developing and maintaining aircraft, aerodynamics and noise capabilities and engaging with internal/external aircraft and performance stakeholders to investigate and appraise novel systems & aircraft. Specific activities likely to include prop/openfan integration, corresponding aircraft performance assessment, methodologies towards BWB/TWB or the design of all-electric assets, in support of RR Core Strategy and Futureproofing. This activity will involve close collaborations with peers in Civil, Defence and in other businesses.
Future Platforms is part of Central Group R&T, providing long-term technology outlook to the organisation, influencing R&T investment and external stakeholders (ranging from airframes to policy makers), supporting the business in engaging external airframes in the beyond-business-as-usual and maintaining an outlook on disruptive technology/platforms/market threats and opportunities. The activity is inherently collaborative and broad with finality the triaging of technical options and the early development of suitable novel assessment methods.
The team designed the Rolls-Royce eVTOL a decade ago but also gave birth to the company Hydrogen Accelerator programme, which it still supports. It collaborates with its peers at Boeing, Embraer, Dassault and others including airlines and airports.
To provide sound knowledge in Aircraft Design & Performance and Systems Design Integration, being responsible for and having knowledge in problem resolution, defining requirements; designing and integrating products, physical & functional systems & product systems; performing technical analysis; assessing vehicle performance; verifying products, physical & functional systems and components throughout the product lifecycle.
What you will be doing:
Position qualifications:
Preferred requirements:
What we offer:
We offer excellent development opportunities, a competitive salary, and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts.
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Closing date: 10th December 2025
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.
Job Category
Mechanical Systems
Posting Date
27 Nov 2025; 00:11
Posting End Date
26 Nov 2025
Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer employer: Rolls Royce
Contact Detail:
Rolls Royce Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in aircraft design and performance, especially in areas like electric aircraft and open fan technology. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace industry, particularly those working at Rolls-Royce or similar companies. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects or experiences that showcase your technical knowledge in aircraft design and performance. Be ready to explain how you've applied systems engineering principles in past roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Rolls-Royce's recent innovations and initiatives, such as their Hydrogen Accelerator programme. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the company's projects will set you apart and show your enthusiasm for contributing to their future success.
We think you need these skills to ace Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aircraft design and performance. Focus on specific projects or roles that demonstrate your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in this area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the aerospace industry. Mention why you are interested in Rolls-Royce and how your values align with their commitment to innovation and safety.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves close collaboration with various teams, emphasise any previous experiences where you worked effectively in a team environment. Showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders and contribute to joint projects.
Showcase Technical Skills: Detail your technical skills related to aircraft performance assessment, systems design integration, and any relevant software tools you are proficient in. This will help demonstrate your capability to meet the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls Royce
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what an Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer does. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like aerodynamics, noise capabilities, and performance assessment methodologies. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Prepare to discuss your technical expertise in aircraft design and performance. Be ready to explain how your background in engineering principles, such as thermodynamics and mechanical analysis, can contribute to the team's goals. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, highlight your teamwork and communication skills. Share examples of successful projects where you worked with cross-functional teams, and explain how you navigated challenges to achieve common goals.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Rolls-Royce's core values and principles, such as safety, integrity, and innovation. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
