CFD Engineer – Helicopter & Gas Turbine Systems

Hill Helicopters; Stafford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK-based helicopter manufacturer seeks a CFD Engineer to enhance the design of next-generation helicopters. You will apply advanced CFD tools to optimize aerodynamic and thermal systems while working in a dynamic engineering environment that fosters innovation and growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Opportunities for career development

Access to cutting-edge CFD tools

Supportive engineering culture

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with ANSYS CFX and Fluent for flow simulations.
• Knowledge of batch scripting and parallel computing.
• Strong skills in mesh generation for complex geometries.

Responsibilities

• Perform CFD simulations on gas turbine components and helicopter systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for design validation.
• Post-process simulation results and contribute to automation workflows.

Skills

Fluid Dynamics

Thermodynamics

Mesh Generation

Scripting (Python, MATLAB)

HPC Job Management

Education

Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS CFX

ANSYS Fluent

ANSYS Meshing

CFD-Post

Tecplot

ParaView

Job description

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