Thermofluids Engineer / Containment Fault Studies Analyst

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.

The Performance & Analysis team is the centre of excellence within Rolls‑Royce SMR for the engineering analysis used to substantiate the performance and safety of the power station.

Multiple opportunities are available across thermal hydraulic plant performance and safety analysis, including reactor plant transient and fault analysis, core sub-channel analysis and containment analysis. The team provides the technical evidence needed to support design decisions, safety case development and regulatory compliance across the SMR programme.

As a Containment Fault Studies Analyst, you will model the thermal-hydraulic behaviour of containment systems and their associated emergency cooling systems.

You will develop engineering models and analyses that demonstrate the effectiveness of containment and safety systems during faulted conditions, using the results to support design optimisation and the substantiation of nuclear safety claims. Analysis outputs form a key part of the safety case and contribute directly to the verification and validation of the SMR design.

You will work closely with design engineers, safety specialists, performance analysts and test teams, helping to define analysis requirements and communicate results across a wide range of technical disciplines.

• Develop and execute thermal-hydraulic containment analyses
• Model containment performance and emergency cooling system behaviour
• Assess plant operation during: Normal operating conditions Operational transients Reactor fault scenarios
• Support the substantiation of containment and safety system performance
• Produce technical reports and safety case contributions
• Develop and maintain analysis methods, models and tools
• Support code verification, validation and uncertainty quantification activities
• Develop robust and automated analysis workflows using Python and associated tools
• Support benchmarking of analytical methods against experimental data
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define analysis requirements and communicate findings
• Plan and deliver engineering work to agreed quality, schedule and governance requirements

We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:

• Experience applying a structured and methodical approach to engineering analysis
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes
• Experience using industry-standard thermal hydraulic analysis software
• Experience producing technical analysis reports and supporting safety case documentation
• Experience with tools such as RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, GOTHIC or similar would be advantageous

• Experience developing fluid and thermal analysis methods and models
• Familiarity with software development processes and quality assurance principles
• Experience developing analysis tools and scripts, ideally using Python
• Understanding of multidisciplinary and coupled analysis approaches

• Experience verifying analysis models and software through benchmarking and testing
• Experience validating models against experimental or test data
• Understanding of uncertainty quantification and statistical analysis methods
• Experience supporting development of thermal hydraulic test rigs would be advantageous

• Experience within Nuclear, Power Generation, Aerospace, Oil & Gas or other safety-critical industries
• Knowledge of complex fluid, process or thermal systems
• Understanding of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology would be beneficial
• Knowledge of engineering safety principles, including ALARP and E3S considerations

• Experience delivering engineering analysis tasks to time, cost and quality requirements
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills
• Ability to explain complex analytical results clearly
• Experience leading technical tasks or supporting junior engineers
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) desirable

Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site:

Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

The salary band for this role will be between £42,000 – £55,150 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 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 the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

The closing date for this role is 11th October 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.

Pay Range:

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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.
•    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