Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer

Are you an experienced aerodynamicist or flight performance engineer looking to play a defining role in the development of a next-generation defence capability?

We are supporting a well-funded, early-stage aerospace and defence company as they build a senior engineering team to develop an advanced flight vehicle from concept through to flight testing. Backed by committed investment and with a clear programme direction already established, this is a rare opportunity to help shape a product, a company, and an engineering culture from the ground up.

Working within a small team of highly experienced engineers, you will have significant influence over technical decisions, direct access to leadership, and the autonomy to solve some of the most challenging aerodynamic and flight performance problems in the defence sector.

The Opportunity

As the Senior / Principal Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer, you will lead aerodynamic modelling, missile performance analysis, and trajectory simulation activities across the programme lifecycle.

You will be responsible for developing aerodynamic databases, running performance and trajectory models, supporting vehicle sizing studies, and helping guide key design decisions as the platform progresses towards testing and demonstration.

This role would suit an engineer who enjoys taking ownership, working from first principles, and delivering real engineering outcomes within a fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead missile and flight vehicle performance analysis activities

Develop, maintain and enhance 3-DoF and 6-DoF trajectory simulation models

Generate and manage aerodynamic databases using empirical, semi-empirical and CFD techniques

Conduct aerodynamic design and trade studies from concept through detailed development

Perform CFD analysis to predict vehicle performance and characterise complex flow behaviour

Evaluate propulsion performance, including rocket and air-breathing propulsion systems

Validate aerodynamic and performance models against available test and reference data

Present technical findings to both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders

Provide mentoring and technical leadership to junior engineers

Contribute to future technology roadmaps and new product development initiatives.What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

Degree qualified in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline

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