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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and assess innovative aircraft performance solutions.
- Company: Rolls-Royce is a leading global brand in aerospace innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering with strong technical knowledge in aircraft design.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; closing date is 22nd July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job 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:
- Apply understanding of aircraft/vehicle/system, performance to design and/or appraise new concepts technically, operationally and, ideally, economically
- Develop & maintain tool capability is aircraft ad aerodynamics performance in the beyond business as usual (e.g. BWB, TBW, open fan aircraft, electric aircraft)
- Apply understanding of gas turbine product and other powerplant operation, product systems, sub-systems and interactions. Integrate and manage interfaces
- Design of systems using Systems Engineering principals including the use of Robust
- Design tools & techniques to achieve optimum solutions at product and sub-system level; this could include prop/fan work and impact on noise for example
- Applying knowledge of the importance of determining, managing & flowing system level requirements
- Planning and management of product change, design technical approval and technical investigations
- Verifying that the system meets the requirements and ownership of standardisation reports.
Position qualifications:
- Bachelor\’s degree or Master\’s in Engineering or regional equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience
Preferred requirements:
- Strong technical knowledge in aircraft design/performance and mechanical design methodologies and understand cross-discipline engineering concepts which include but are not limited to manufacturing engineering, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, thermal and mechanical analysis, cost engineering and product definition.
- An ability to apply logical, analytical and innovative thinking on a range of technical problems and make balanced decisions across technical and business parameters
- Knowledge and experience of product integrity / liability and certification
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 2025PandoLogic. Keywords: Performance Engineer, Location: Derby, ENG – DE23 8NX
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 open fan technology and electric aircraft. 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 where you've applied systems engineering principles. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully integrated various engineering disciplines in past roles.
✨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 show your enthusiasm and alignment with their goals.
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. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills related to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your understanding of systems engineering principles and your ability to work collaboratively in a team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially if you have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering. Mention any certifications or training that relate to aircraft design and performance.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've applied logical and analytical thinking to solve technical problems in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of the position.
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 systems integration. 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 methodologies you've used in past projects, especially those related to gas turbine products or innovative aircraft designs. Highlight any experience with tools relevant to the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Discuss your ability to engage with stakeholders and how you approach problem-solving in a team environment.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Rolls-Royce's core values and principles, such as safety, integrity, and innovation. During the interview, relate your personal values and experiences to these principles, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
