Lead Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer (Aerospace)

Direct message the job poster from Element Materials Technology

Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition

Element Digital Engineering is a leading provider of specialist engineering simulation, design, and consultancy support to clients across many industries – including Aerospace, Automotive, Energy and the Built Environment in the UK and internationally. Our technical work covers everything from using experience‑based judgement and simple hand calculations, to system‑level 1D modelling and detailed component‑level 2D/3D simulations.

As a leading figure in our expanding team, you will play a central role in project delivery, capability development and mentoring. Your support will enhance our team as we continue to provide our clients with analysis‑based design improvements or optimisations, a more detailed understanding of fluids behaviour in their systems, and actionable technical insight to inform budget decisions.

We are looking to recruit a permanent Lead Engineer with skills in the fields of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Thermofluids to support the continued development of our in‑house capability. The position can be based out of our Derby or Bristol offices with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.

This role is suitable for someone with a proven track record in engineering consultancy, acting as a qualified checker and approver, who is motivated to lead client projects and to support the mentoring and development of more junior engineers.

Flexible/Hybrid working is offered as standard.

Responsibilities

• Supporting business development through client engagement and the creation of project proposals.
• Leading technical delivery of projects, including methods specification, actual model build and execution of engineering simulations, as well as verification and analysis of results.
• Supporting and enabling the technical delivery by more junior staff.
• Displaying subject expertise and technical leadership in at least one area while developing new skills and capabilities on the job or through in‑house innovation initiatives.
• Owning project‑management responsibility of larger, complex projects, directing project teams to deliver projects to budget, timelines and quality requirements.
• Being a professional, competent and honest ambassador for the business in all dealings with customers, setting an example for junior staff.

Skills / Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree (grade 2.1 or above), Masters, or PhD in a relevant engineering, science or applied mathematics discipline, preferably with a strong CFD and/or Thermofluids component.
• Have extensive experience delivering engineering analysis in an engineering company and/or consultancy setting, with an interest in supporting the development of junior team members.
• Have strong technical knowledge in solving problems involving fluid flow, thermodynamics, heat transfer, multiphase flow, reactive flow, dispersion, blast etc.
• Experience across a range of sectors including aerospace, defence, nuclear, renewable energy, oil & gas or food and drink sectors.
• Ideally have expert knowledge of commercial and open‑source thermofluids analysis tools such as STAR‑CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, Amesim, Flomaster, OpenFOAM with demonstrable ability to extend capability using user functions where necessary.
• Some proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, VBA or C++ would be an advantage.
• Have strong project‑management experience as well as strong verbal/written communication skills.
• Are either already at, or actively working toward, Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) status.

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our vision of becoming ‘the world’s most trusted testing partner’.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work‑related criteria and without regard to age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with applicable governing laws.