Senior Engineer - Thermofluids Model Validation

About the Role

Thermal hydraulic analysis is critical to modelling fluid and heat transfer processes within reactor systems and ensuring safe and efficient operation. These analyses underpin key design decisions and form an essential part of the nuclear safety case, so establishing confidence in model predictions is fundamental.

This role involves leading a small technical team to develop, verify, validate, and quantify uncertainties in thermal-hydraulic models and analysis codes. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support reactor transient and fault analysis, core sub-channel modelling, and containment analysis.

Key Responsibilities



Validation

• Lead benchmarking of analytical models against experimental data
• Develop and improve modelling approaches and methodologies
• Collaborate with test rig teams to define requirements and support experimental campaigns

Verification

• Apply robust quality management processes to analysis and modelling activities
• Support development of automated analysis workflows using Python on Linux-based HPC systems

Uncertainty Quantification

• Lead sensitivity studies and apply statistical techniques to quantify model uncertainty
• Link uncertainty analysis to validation and benchmarking activities

General Responsibilities

• Lead development of models, methods, and tools to support design and safety case activities
• Define test requirements and interpret experimental and benchmarking data
• Communicate complex technical findings clearly to a range of stakeholders
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust and integrated analysis outputs

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and thermal processes
• Experience applying structured and methodical analysis approaches
• Hands-on experience with thermal-hydraulic tools such as RELAP, FLOMASTER, VIPRE, CTF, or GOTHIC
• Experience with verification, validation, benchmarking, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ)
• Ability to develop Python-based analysis tools and work within Linux/HPC environments
• Experience producing clear technical reports and contributing to safety case documentation
• Knowledge of safety-critical systems within industries such as nuclear, oil & gas, aerospace, or energy

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is desirable

Location & Working Pattern

• Hybrid working
• Primary locations include Derby, Manchester, or Warrington

Benefits

• Performance-related bonus (target 12.5%)
• Flexible benefits allowance
• Pension (employer and employee contributions)
• Annual leave plus public holidays (with option to buy/sell)
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Home office support allowance

Additional Information

• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
• Involvement in complex, safety-critical systems and analysis
• Scope to develop technical leadership and influence engineering capability

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