Combustion Engineer (All Genders)

STARK; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark is seeking a Combustion Engineer in the UK to lead end-to-end design and development of combustion systems for a liquid-fuelled propulsion platform.

You will perform CFD and experimental work, define instrumentation, and plan testing campaigns targeting Q2 2027 ground tests, contributing to multi-domain propulsion solutions within a fast-paced defence tech environment.

Qualifications

• Masters-level degree in engineering or a relevant technical discipline.
• Proven experience in both computational and experimental combustion system design and development.
• Background in combustor design/development for air-breathing propulsion systems, afterburners, liquid propellant rocket engines, or aerospace/aeroderivative gas turbines.
• Experience defining instrumentation, test conditions, and conducting data post-processing for test campaigns.
• Strong adaptability, pragmatic mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of combustion systems for a liquid-fuelled propulsion system.
• Perform low-order and 2D/3D CFD modelling and analysis to advance combustor designs towards ground and flight qualification.
• Prepare and execute the initial ground testing campaign scheduled for Q2 2027.
• Define test points, instrumentation, and measurement requirements for ground and flight testing.
• Post-process experimental and computational test data to close the loop and refine combustor performance.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to solve design challenges at subsystem interfaces.
• Manage and mentor engineers across propulsion and related systems as the team expands.

Skills

Combustion design

CFD modelling

Experimental testing

Instrumentation definition

Team mentorship

Education

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in combustion or closely related field

Tools

Ansys Fluent

STAR-CCM+

Job description

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

• The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
• You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
• We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

About The Team

You will report directly to the Chief Engineer for the programme. The team is small but growing rapidly, moving fast and leveraging modern tools to maximize progress. We are versatile and ready to turn our hands to a wide range of engineering challenges across the propulsion and related systems, knowing that great designs are forged at the interfaces. As the project advances, you will have the option to manage other engineers across the propulsion and related sub-systems.

YOUR MISSION

As a Combustion Engineer, you will lead the end-to-end design and development of combustion systems for a new liquid-fuelled air-breathing propulsion system, from first bench testing through to the qualification flight test campaign. Following a handover of preliminary work from the founding team, you will perform low-order and 2D/3D CFD modelling and analysis to advance the design toward a first ground test in Q2 2027. You will define test instrumentation and test points, post-process experimental data, and iteratively refine the design for subsequent ground and flight tests.

What You Will Do At Stark

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of combustion systems for a liquid-fuelled propulsion system.
• Perform low-order and 2D/3D CFD modelling and analysis to advance combustor designs towards ground and flight qualification.
• Prepare and execute the initial ground testing campaign scheduled for Q2 2027.
• Define test points, instrumentation, and measurement requirements for ground and flight testing.
• Post-process experimental and computational test data to close the loop and refine combustor performance.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to solve design challenges at subsystem interfaces.
• Manage and mentor engineers across propulsion and related systems as the team expands.

What You Bring To The Mission

• Masters-level degree in engineering or a relevant technical discipline.
• Proven experience in both computational and experimental combustion system design and development.
• Demonstrated background in combustor design/development for air-breathing propulsion systems, afterburners, liquid propellant rocket engines, or aerospace/aeroderivative gas turbines.
• Experience defining instrumentation, test conditions, and conducting data post-processing for test campaigns.
• Strong adaptability, pragmatic mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team.

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience using Ansys Fluent (or STAR-CCM+) to model reacting flows.
• Experience designing or working with solid rocket motors, liquid sprays, or droplet flows.
• Practical understanding of hardware design for manufacture and ignition systems for combustors.
• Experience in designing to avoid or resolve thermoacoustic instabilities.
• PhD in combustion or a closely related field.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.