At a Glance
- Tasks: Design next-gen aerospace systems and collaborate on innovative engineering solutions.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in aerospace innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation with cutting-edge technology and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; strong engineering fundamentals required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Why join 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.
You will be joining the Systems Design and Architecture team within the Systems Engineering and Product Performance group and shape the future of advanced aerospace and power systems. We are seeking an enthusiastic System Design Architect to join the team to develop next-generation products and technologies and new engine architectures that support future airframes. This is a multidisciplinary team where engineers are expected to develop their skills in cycle design, mechanical integrity and aircraft/systems integration.
As a System Design Architect, you will play a pivotal role in translating business, customer, and regulatory requirements into robust engineering solutions. You will collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure designs meet mechanical integrity, performance, reliability, safety, and lifecycle objectives.
Key Responsibilities- Develop system requirements, interfaces, functional models, and design specifications.
- Nacelle /engine systems / aircraft integration.
- Mechanical integrity assessments of the powerplant, engine and subsystems.
- Cycle design.
- Develop engineering solutions and where applicable generate patents and protect intellectual property.
- Lead architecture trade studies, design reviews, and technical decision-making activities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, certification requirements, and engineering processes.
- Support verification and validation activities throughout the product lifecycle.
- Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps and future product development initiatives.
- Work closely with subsystems, component groups, manufacturing, and safety teams.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals methodologies and lifecycle management.
- Experience with requirements management and modelling tools such as: IBM DOORS, Teamcenter NX, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink, SPINE - nacelle aerodynamics.
- Knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) principles desirable.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
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: 12th August 2026
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: 29 Jul 2026; 00:07
Posting End Date: 12 Aug 2026
Location/Region: Derby, England
System Design Architect employer: Rolls-royce
At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in our Bristol/Hybrid location. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of technology. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land System Design Architect
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Rolls-royce for a System Design Architect. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace System Design Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Rolls-royce, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Rolls-royce, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-royce
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Rolls-royce.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Rolls-royce. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Rolls-royce love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
