System Design Architect

Job Description

System Design Architect

Full Time

Derby

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 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 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