Aerodynamics Engineer (CFD Specialist)

Permanent employee, Full-time

• Swindon

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission

Responsible for shaping and refining the aerodynamic performance of our UAV and high-speed platforms—from concept to test flights, with a hands-on approach.

This isn’t a pure CFD desk job. We’re looking for someone who knows how to simulate, validate, and then jump into the workshop or onto the range to test, tweak, and try again. Your work won’t sit in a folder—it will fly.

Responsibilities

• Use aerodynamic theory, simulation, and real-world testing to make our platforms fly better, faster, and more efficiently. Fail fast, iterate faster, and help us define the performance envelope from day one.
• Own aerodynamic design and evaluation for fixed-wing UAV and/or high-speed systems (including rockets or hybrid systems).
• Run simulations in Ansys Fluent or equivalent tools to evaluate stability, lift, drag, control surface effectiveness, shock behavior, etc.
• Contribute to sizing studies, control surface design, CG/XNP balancing, and aero configuration trade-offs.
• Support flight testing and post-flight aerodynamic performance reviews.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, propulsion, and flight test teams to refine design through test-informed iteration.
• Participate in envelope expansion planning and risk assessments for novel configurations.
• Build, refine, and maintain the aerodynamic data package for each platform.

Qualifications

• Bachelor´s or Master´s degree in Aerospace Engineer or similar relevant area of expertise
• 5+ years of experience in aerodynamics, with a strong foundation in subsonic, transonic, or supersonic regimes.
• Experience with CFD tools such as Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, Star-CCM+, or equivalent.
• Comfort working with experimental platforms—UAS, missiles, sounding rockets, gliders, or fast movers.
• Knowledge of airfoil design, control surface dynamics, and stability & control analysis.
• Ability to translate simulation into design changes and hardware improvements.
• Eligible for UK Security clearance

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.