Flight Performance Engineer

Copello; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Copello is seeking a Flight Performance Engineer to support the performance characterisation, modelling, and validation of fixed-wing UAV platforms. You will translate flight test data and simulations into performance specifications to guide aircraft design decisions.

The role is based in Bristol with a hybrid working pattern. The ideal candidate has a degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of experience in aircraft performance, plus hands-on experience with 6-DOF simulations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in aircraft performance engineering.
• Strong knowledge of fixed-wing aerodynamics.
• Experience with 6-DOF simulation models (JSBSim, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience analysing flight test data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain aircraft performance models
• Assess and define aircraft flight envelopes based on stability, control authority, and structural constraints
• Conduct trade studies on key aircraft performance characteristics
• Design flight test plans and analyse telemetry data to validate aircraft performance
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, avionics, and systems engineering teams throughout the design lifecycle
• Build and refine 6-DOF or point-mass simulations to predict mission performance under varying environmental conditions
• Evaluate control system performance and autopilot tuning from a flight dynamics perspective, in collaboration with GNC/avionics teams
• Identify performance bottlenecks and recommend design or operational improvements
• Generate performance documentation for certification, customer proposals, and technical manuals

Skills

Fixed-wing aerodynamics

Python

MATLAB

6-DOF simulations

Flight testing data

CG analysis

Autopilot familiarity

Scripting

Telemetry analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

JSBSim

MATLAB/Simulink

In-house tools

Job description

Flight Performance Engineer- Bristol (Hybrid)- £50,000- £60,000

We're looking for a Flight Performance Engineer to support the performance characterisation, modelling, and validation of fixed wing UAV platforms. You'll work at the intersection of aerodynamics, propulsion, and mission planning, translating flight test data and simulation into performance specifications that guide aircraft design decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain aircraft performance models


• Assess and define aircraft flight envelopes based on stability, control authority, and structural constraints


• Conduct trade studies on key aircraft performance characteristics


• Design flight test plans and analyse telemetry data to validate aircraft performance


• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, avionics, and systems engineering teams throughout the design lifecycle


• Build and refine 6-DOF or point-mass simulations to predict mission performance under varying environmental conditions


• Evaluate control system performance and autopilot tuning from a flight dynamics perspective, in collaboration with GNC/avionics teams


• Identify performance bottlenecks and recommend design or operational improvements


• Generate performance documentation for certification, customer proposals, and technical manuals

What we are looking for;

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)


• 3+ years of experience in aircraft performance engineering


• Strong understanding of both fixed-wing aerodynamics


• Experience building or working with 6-DOF simulation models (e.g., JSBSim, MATLAB/Simulink, custom in-house tools)


• Experience analysing flight test data (telemetry logs, sensor fusion outputs)

Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of fixed-wing aerodynamics and flight mechanics


• Proficiency in scripting/analysis tools (Python, MATLAB) for data processing and automation


• Experience with 6-DOF or point-mass simulation environments


• Familiarity with autopilot systems


• Experience with weight & balance analysis and CG management


• Comfortable working across disciplines and translating analysis into design decisions


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Strong analytical rigor paired with practical, test-informed judgment


• Exposure to airworthiness/certification standards