At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead aerodynamic modelling and flight performance analysis for next-gen defence vehicles.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace and defence company with ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and a chance to shape engineering culture.
- Other info: Work closely with senior leaders and enjoy significant technical ownership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced defence systems from concept to testing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with strong CFD and performance analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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.
Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer in London employer: Matchtech Careers
As a Business Reporting Analyst with our client, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. The company offers excellent employee growth opportunities through continuous training and development, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on business decisions but also provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer in London
✨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 Matchtech Careers for a Performance & 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 Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Matchtech Careers, 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 Matchtech Careers, 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 Matchtech Careers
✨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 Matchtech Careers.
✨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 Matchtech Careers. 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 Matchtech Careers love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
