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Aircraft Design & Performance Engineer - Job Opportunity at Rolls Royce

Derby, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 10, 2025
Hybrid
Based on the senior-level responsibilities, specialized aerospace engineering focus, and Rolls-Royce's market position, the salary range is likely £65,000-£85,000 annually, with potential for higher compensation given the strategic importance of the Future Platforms team and the specialized nature of next-generation aircraft development work.

Benefits

Comprehensive professional development programs providing access to cutting-edge aerospace technology training and career advancement opportunities
Competitive performance-based bonus structure aligned with company success and individual contributions
Employee assistance program offering personal and professional support services
Exclusive employee discount program across Rolls-Royce products and partner services
Flexible hybrid working arrangements enabling optimal work-life balance with minimum three days office collaboration

Key Responsibilities

Lead technical design and performance assessment of revolutionary aircraft concepts including prop/openfan integration, blended wing body (BWB), and all-electric propulsion systems that will define the future of aviation
Develop and maintain advanced computational tools and methodologies for aircraft aerodynamics and performance analysis in next-generation aviation platforms
Drive strategic collaboration with major aerospace manufacturers including Boeing, Embraer, and Dassault to shape industry standards and technological advancement
Execute comprehensive systems engineering integration using robust design principles to optimize aircraft performance, noise reduction, and operational efficiency
Manage critical technical approval processes and design change management for revolutionary propulsion systems affecting global aviation markets
Provide technical leadership in certification and product integrity initiatives ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or Master's in Engineering or regional equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience

Experience

Knowledge and experience of product integrity / liability and certification

Required Skills

Strong technical knowledge in aircraft design/performance and mechanical design methodologies 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 Apply understanding of aircraft/vehicle/system, performance to design and/or appraise new concepts technically, operationally and, ideally, economically Apply understanding of gas turbine product and other powerplant operation, product systems, sub-systems and interactions
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aerospace industry is experiencing a paradigm shift toward sustainable aviation solutions, with electric and hydrogen propulsion systems moving from experimental concepts to commercial viability. Major manufacturers are investing billions in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft development, creating unprecedented demand for engineers skilled in novel propulsion integration and performance optimization. Advanced manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing and digital twin technologies are revolutionizing aircraft design methodologies, requiring engineers to master new computational tools and integrated design approaches that can handle the complexity of next-generation aircraft configurations. Regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly to accommodate new aircraft categories and propulsion systems, creating opportunities for engineers who can navigate the intersection of innovative technology and certification requirements while working closely with international aviation authorities.

Role Significance

The position involves being one of 2-3 aircraft and vehicle performance engineers in a specialized team, suggesting a lean, high-impact structure where each member has substantial individual responsibility and direct influence on major technological initiatives.
This is a senior-level position with significant strategic impact, evidenced by the responsibility for developing long-term technology outlook and influencing R&T investment decisions. The role requires independent technical leadership and the ability to guide organizational direction in emerging aerospace technologies.

Key Projects

Development of revolutionary aircraft configurations including blended wing body and transonic wing body designs that could redefine commercial aviation efficiency Integration of open fan and electric propulsion systems into next-generation aircraft platforms requiring unprecedented technical innovation Collaboration on hydrogen propulsion acceleration programs that position Rolls-Royce at the forefront of sustainable aviation technology

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in computational fluid dynamics and aircraft performance modeling, combined with the ability to translate complex engineering concepts into strategic business recommendations that influence multi-billion dollar R&D investments Exceptional collaborative skills enabling effective partnership with major aerospace manufacturers and regulatory bodies, as these relationships are critical for advancing revolutionary technologies through the complex certification and commercialization process Strategic thinking capability to balance technical innovation with market realities, ensuring that advanced concepts can be transformed into commercially viable products that meet operational and economic requirements

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for aircraft design engineers with expertise in alternative propulsion systems and advanced aircraft configurations. The industry's transition toward sustainable aviation solutions has created a significant talent shortage, particularly for professionals who can bridge traditional aerospace engineering with emerging technologies like electric propulsion and novel aerodynamic concepts.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced computational fluid dynamics and aircraft performance modeling expertise is absolutely essential, as this role requires the ability to analyze and optimize complex aerodynamic systems for revolutionary aircraft configurations that have no historical precedent. The mathematical and computational skills needed to model these systems accurately will directly determine the success of multi-million dollar development programs. Systems engineering proficiency with robust design methodologies is crucial because modern aircraft development requires integrated optimization across multiple disciplines simultaneously. The ability to manage complex interactions between propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, and control systems while maintaining system-level performance objectives is fundamental to achieving breakthrough innovations in aircraft design.

Beneficial Skills

Certification and regulatory expertise becomes increasingly valuable as the industry develops new standards for alternative propulsion systems and novel aircraft configurations, providing significant career differentiation and strategic value to employers Business and economic analysis capabilities complement technical skills by enabling engineers to evaluate the commercial viability of advanced concepts, making them more effective contributors to strategic decision-making processes

Unique Aspects

This role offers the rare opportunity to work on revolutionary aircraft concepts that will define the future of aviation, including the company's pioneering work in eVTOL aircraft and hydrogen propulsion systems that few organizations worldwide can match
The position provides direct collaboration with major aerospace manufacturers and airlines, offering unprecedented visibility into industry-wide strategic initiatives and the opportunity to influence global aviation technology development
The role combines cutting-edge technical work with strategic business impact, as the Future Platforms team directly influences Rolls-Royce's R&T investment decisions and technology roadmap for the next decade

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing engineers in strategic roles, with accelerated advancement possible given the critical nature of sustainable aviation development and the specialized expertise required.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Engineer or Technical Director positions leading major aerospace programs Principal Systems Architect roles defining next-generation aircraft platforms Technical Program Manager positions overseeing multi-million dollar aerospace development initiatives

Company Overview

Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce is a globally recognized aerospace and defense technology leader with over a century of innovation in propulsion systems, maintaining a dominant position in commercial aviation engines and expanding aggressively into sustainable aviation technologies including electric and hydrogen propulsion systems.

As one of the world's largest aerospace engine manufacturers, Rolls-Royce competes directly with General Electric and Pratt & Whitney in the commercial aviation market while maintaining unique strengths in military applications and emerging sustainable aviation technologies.
The Derby location represents Rolls-Royce's primary UK engineering hub and global center of excellence for advanced propulsion technology development, offering direct access to the company's most sophisticated research and development capabilities.
Rolls-Royce maintains an engineering-driven culture that emphasizes technical excellence, safety, and long-term innovation, with significant investment in employee development and a collaborative approach to solving complex aerospace challenges.
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