Transient Performance & Operability Lead Engineer

Job Title: Transient Performance & Operability Lead Engineer

Working Pattern: Full Time

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

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.

Why Rolls-Royce?

Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. We design, build and service systems that provide critical power to customers where safety and reliability are paramount.

We are proud to be a force for progress, powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

We want to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that has shaped our history continues into our future, and we need people like you to come and join us on this journey.

Rolls-Royce has been recognized as the top employer in the Engineering & Manufacturing category on the prestigious Forbes Top Employers for Engineers list for 2025. This ranking highlights our commitment to innovation, employee development, and fostering a collaborative environment where engineers can thrive.

Be part of a team that sets the industry standard and drives groundbreaking solutions.

We’ll provide an environment of caring and belonging where you can be yourself. An inclusive, innovative culture that invests in you, gives you access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities where you can grow your career and make a difference.

Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics.

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.

Who we’re looking for:

At Rolls-Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviors that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.

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
• Eligible to obtain and maintain security clearance (requires USA citizenship).

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 manufacturer 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.

What we offer

We offer excellent development opportunities, a competitive salary, and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts.

Your needs are as unique as you are. Hybrid working is a way in which our people can balance their time between the office, home, or another remote location.  It’s a locally managed and flexed informal discretionary arrangement. As a minimum we’re all expected to attend the workplace for collaboration and other specific reasons, on average three days per week.

For fully remote roles, employees can live in any state except Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Relocation assistance will be provided as applicable.

Global Grade/Level: Level C

Closing Date: August 7, 2026

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Mechanical Systems28 Jul 2026; 00:07$114,400 - $185,900-AnnuallyIndianapolis, 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.