At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct aerodynamic analysis for fast jet aircraft and support complex military projects.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, flexible working, and career development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse projects and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of defence technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerodynamics and aerospace engineering, especially with military aircraft.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 60000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.
We are seeking a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to support advanced combat air programmes within the defence sector. You will play a key role in the aerodynamic assessment and development of fast jet platforms, supporting activities across aeroelasticity, loads analysis, and stores release & jettison. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will contribute to the performance, safety, and integration of complex military aircraft systems.
This position is ideally suited to an experienced Aerospace Engineer with a strong background in aerodynamics and flight sciences, coupled with previous experience supporting fast jet programmes and resolving technically demanding engineering challenges.
Key Responsibilities & Experience
- Conduct aerodynamic analysis and assessments to support the development and performance of fast jet aircraft.
- Perform static and dynamic loads analysis, ensuring aircraft structures can withstand operational and environmental conditions.
- Support stores release and jettison activities, contributing to the safe integration and deployment of external stores and weapons systems.
- Undertake aeroelasticity assessments, evaluating the interaction between aerodynamic forces and structural behaviour.
- Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams including structures, systems, flight sciences, and flight test specialists to resolve complex technical challenges.
- Produce technical documentation, present engineering findings, and provide recommendations to support design reviews and programme decision-making.
Qualifications Required Skills
- Demonstrable experience applying aerodynamic principles and analysis techniques within the aerospace sector, ideally on military or fast jet programmes.
- Strong understanding of aeroelasticity, including the assessment of aerodynamic and structural interactions across the flight envelope.
- Proven experience conducting static and dynamic loads assessments to support aircraft design, modification, or certification activities.
- Experience supporting stores release and jettison programmes, including the analysis of weapon or external store integration.
- Ability to interpret technical data, solve complex engineering problems, and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify practical solutions to complex engineering challenges.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Proactive and intuitive approach to problem solving within technically demanding environments.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality engineering outputs to project deadlines.
- Collaborative working style with a commitment to continuous improvement and engineering excellence.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.
- Previous experience working within the Defence or Aerospace sector on military aircraft programmes.
- Exposure to flight test activities and the interpretation of flight test data.
- Familiarity with aircraft airworthiness, certification, or safety-critical engineering processes.
- Experience working on complex multidisciplinary aircraft development or modification programmes.
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Senior Aerodynamics Engineer in Preston employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the space industry, alongside a supportive environment that values creativity and technological advancement. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives significant impact but also prioritises your career development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Aerodynamics Engineer in Preston
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN for a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Aerodynamics Engineer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
