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
• Significant experience in missile, rocket, guided weapon, or high-performance aerospace vehicle development
• Strong background in flight performance analysis and trajectory simulation
• Proven aerodynamic modelling experience across the full flight envelope
• Hands-on CFD expertise using tools such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, CFD++ or equivalent
• Understanding of propulsion performance modelling and vehicle integration
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)

Desirable Experience

• 6-DoF flight dynamics and guidance/control system interaction
• MATLAB, Python, Fortran or similar technical programming languages
• Defence, government research, or start-up engineering environments
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards accreditation
• Experience leading small technical teams

Why Apply?

• Join a highly ambitious defence technology programme at an early stage
• Help develop an advanced flight vehicle from concept to test
• Significant technical ownership and influence
• Equity opportunity alongside competitive salary and benefits
• Work directly with senior technical leadership and investors
• Long-term funded programme with exciting growth prospects
• Opportunity to shape both product development and engineering culture

If you're motivated by solving complex aerodynamic challenges and want to play a pivotal role in building the next generation of advanced defence systems, get in touch.

Apply today or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.

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