About the Role:
We are looking for a highly capableCFD Engineerto join our advanced simulation team, working within afast-paced, commercially successful civil helicopter programme. This role sits within a leading UK-based helicopter and gas turbine OEM, supporting the aerodynamic and thermal optimisation ofairframe and propulsion systems.
You will apply CFD tools—particularlyANSYS CFX and ANSYS Fluent—to influence design decisions forgas turbine components, as well ashelicopter aerofoils, wings, rotors, and associated systems. The role involves working in ahigh-performance computing (HPC) environment, contributing across early design, validation, and optimisation phases.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform CFD simulations usingANSYS CFX and Fluentto support the aerodynamic and thermal design of:
- Gas turbine components (e.g. compressors, turbines, combustors, ducts).
- External aerodynamics (e.g. rotor-fuselage interaction, intakes, exhausts).
- 2D aerofoils, 3D wings, and full rotor systems in hover and forward flight conditions.
- Cooling and environmental control systems.
- Generate high-quality structured and unstructured meshes for complex geometries using ANSYS Meshing, ICEM CFD, or equivalent tools.
- Run large-scale simulations onHPC clusters, manage parallel jobs efficiently, and optimise compute resources.
- Post-process simulation results using CFD-Post, Tecplot, ParaView, or custom scripting tools.
- Collaborate with aerodynamicists, propulsion engineers, mechanical designers, and flight test teams to feed CFD insights into system development and validation.
- Support design reviews, trade studies, and correlation with test data.
- Contribute to automation of CFD workflows and development of internal CFD capability.
Requirements:
Essential:
- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with strong fluid dynamics and thermodynamics content.
- Hands-on experience withANSYS CFX and/or ANSYS Fluentfor both internal and external flow simulations.
- Proficiency withHPC job management, batch scripting, and parallel computing environments.
- Strong mesh generation skills for 2D and 3D geometries.
- Practical experience interpreting CFD results and communicating design recommendations.
- Scripting knowledge (e.g. Python, MATLAB) for workflow automation and post-processing.
Desirable:
- Demonstrated experience with 2D aerofoil analysis and 3D wing/rotor CFD simulations.
- Understanding of unsteady aerodynamics and rotor wake modelling in a rotorcraft context.
- Experience with helicopter or turboshaft engine programmes.
- Exposure to combustion, thermal systems, or secondary air systems.
- Familiarity with design of experiments (DOE), optimisation, or surrogate modelling.
What We Offer:
- A central role in a thriving civil rotorcraft development programme.
- Opportunities to influence the design of next-generation helicopters and gas turbines.
- Access to cutting-edge CFD tools and dedicated HPC infrastructure.
- A supportive, innovative engineering culture with strong career development pathways.
- Competitive salary and benefits
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFD Engineer – Helicopter & Gas Turbine Systems in Stafford
✨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 Hill Helicopters for a CFD Engineer – Helicopter & Gas Turbine Systems. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Hill Helicopters, 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 Hill Helicopters, 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 Hill Helicopters
✨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 Hill Helicopters.
✨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 Hill Helicopters. 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 Hill Helicopters love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
