Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer

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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed