Transient Performance & Operability Lead Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Transient Performance & Operability Lead Engineer

Working Pattern: Full time

Working location: Indianapolis, IN/Hybrid (3 days week onsite avg.)

Relocation assistance is available for this position as applicable.

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 create world-class power and propulsion solutions, pushing your problem-solving and ingenuity, to deliver real impact that puts safety first.

You’ll be given responsibility and the opportunity to grow in our high-performance culture. This is Infinite Potential. And it’s your chance to really shine and contribute to one of the world’s most recognized brands and a beacon for engineering excellence.

Position Summary

Turning fuel into power most efficiently within the constraints of safe operation is the aim of our System Performance Engineers. Your innovative solutions in computer modeling advanced propulsion cycles, predicting engine performance and analyzing test data for internal and external customers. As a Performance Engineer, you will join a highly motivated team dedicated to exploring new technologies and advanced modeling methods to predict product behavior and understand system-level operation. Your work will span from early concept design through development testing, entry into service, and beyond. The models you develop will play a critical role in resolving system-level issues and ensuring optimal propulsion system operation in demanding applications and environments.

What you will be doing

• Perform propulsion cycle analysis and whole engine performance predictions using computer simulations to satisfy system requirements, with expertise in both steady-state and transient performance.
• Develop and maintain thermodynamic cycle models using Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS).
• Train and mentor others in thermodynamics, test analysis, and engine performance modeling.
• Demonstrate expert understanding of system-level issues related to propulsion system design, performance, operability, and engine operation.
• Lead propulsion systems performance testing, publish technical reports, and deliver technical presentations of engineering analysis and results.
• Apply process and technical knowledge to ensure engineering solutions meet customer requirements and comply with engineering processes.
• Influence internal and external stakeholders to develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrate expertise in at least one area of engine product performance, such as steady-state performance, operability, test, or methods.
• Define and implement best practices in performance across the organization.
• Contribute to engine certification processes, including defining plans to fulfill requirements for engine performance
• Maintain knowledge of industry practices and standards.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and demonstrate a strong understanding of related disciplines, including Controls, Thermals, Air Systems, Lifing, and Design, to ensure integrated and optimized propulsion system solutions.
• Solve complex and unique performance challenges to drive product improvement.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor`s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with 5+ years’ experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design
• A Master`s degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics with 3+ years’ experience in thermodynamics, gas dynamics, fluid mechanics and/or engine design OR;
• A PhD in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
• In order to be considered for this role, you must be a US citizen

Preferred Requirements:

• Demonstrated technical leadership to delivery in complex project with ambiguity
• Industry Leading Expertise in the performance-related support of the design and/or development of gas turbines
• Experience in simulation/modeling of gas turbine cycles, hybrid electric systems, cycle analysis, engine operability, sizing, and/or preliminary design analysis.
• Engine cycle design to meet aircraft manufacturers or government objectives including current and future technologies
• NPSS Expertise in multiple thermodynamic cycle models
• Experience with transient performance, including stability margin accounting and operability test planning and analysis for multiple engine programs
• Background planning, executing, and analyzing engine tests
• Ability to define and detail functional data for design and follow design iteration processes.
• Demonstrates leadership in performance for the function and product programs.
• Builds and maintains strong customer relationships.
• Creative thinker and pragmatic problem solver.
• Strong focus on driving compliance and continuous improvement
• Ability to overcome challenges and deliver results.
• Comfortable with ambiguity; able to define and implement plans to achieve business objectives without detailed instruction.
• Effective communicator with a positive outlook when faced with challenges.
• Committed to lifelong learning for self and the team.

Our vision is to ensure that the quality and dynamism that shaped our history continues into our future. It’s a bold pursuit, and we never stop striving to go further, faster, and better. We lead progress, creating the technologies that move us forward. If you’re driven to grow, to learn, and to make a lasting difference, this is where you belong.

Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics. We are committed to providing a respectful and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued and everyone can thrive.

Infinite Potential

Closing Date: October 31, 2026

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Job Category

Mechanical Systems

Job Posting Date

08 Oct 2026; 00:10

Pay Range

Pay ranges for remote employees are based on the state where the employee resides and may vary from the posted range.

$114,400 - $185,900-Annually

Location:

Indianapolis, IN

Benefits

Rolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan. The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.