At a Glance
- Tasks: Support UAV performance characterisation and modelling while collaborating with diverse engineering teams.
- Company: Innovative aerospace company based in Bristol with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement potential in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and shape the future of flight technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We're looking for a Flight Performance Engineer to support the performance characterisation, modelling, and validation of fixed wing UAV platforms. You'll work at the intersection of aerodynamics, propulsion, and mission planning, translating flight test data and simulation into performance specifications that guide aircraft design decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain aircraft performance models
- Assess and define aircraft flight envelopes based on stability, control authority, and structural constraints
- Conduct trade studies on key aircraft performance characteristics
- Design flight test plans and analyse telemetry data to validate aircraft performance
- Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, avionics, and systems engineering teams throughout the design lifecycle
- Build and refine 6-DOF or point-mass simulations to predict mission performance under varying environmental conditions
- Evaluate control system performance and autopilot tuning from a flight dynamics perspective, in collaboration with GNC/avionics teams
- Identify performance bottlenecks and recommend design or operational improvements
- Generate performance documentation for certification, customer proposals, and technical manuals
What we are looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
- 3+ years of experience in aircraft performance engineering
- Strong understanding of both fixed-wing aerodynamics
- Experience building or working with 6-DOF simulation models (e.g., JSBSim, MATLAB/Simulink, custom in-house tools)
- Experience analysing flight test data (telemetry logs, sensor fusion outputs)
Skills & Attributes
- Strong understanding of fixed-wing aerodynamics and flight mechanics
- Proficiency in scripting/analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) for data processing and automation
- Experience with 6-DOF or point-mass simulation environments
- Familiarity with autopilot systems
- Experience with weight & balance analysis and CG management
- Comfortable working across disciplines and translating analysis into design decisions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical rigor paired with practical, test-informed judgment
- Exposure to airworthiness/certification standards
Flight Performance Engineer employer: Copello
As a Contracts & Subcontracts Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values collaboration and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while being part of a supportive team in the vibrant cities of Gloucester or Manchester. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Performance Engineer
✨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 Copello for a Flight Performance 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 Flight Performance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Copello, 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 Copello, 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 Copello
✨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 Copello.
✨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 Copello. 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 Copello love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
