Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer

Gattaca; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gattaca is seeking a Senior/Principal Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer to join an advanced defence technology programme in the UK. You will lead flight performance analysis, aerodynamic modelling and trajectory simulation, shaping the vehicle's development from concept through to testing.

The role requires a degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering or related field, extensive CFD experience, and proficiency with Python/MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience in flight performance, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with trajectory simulation and performance modelling tools.
• Strong CFD experience using industry tools.
• Excellent communication and ability to present technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle performance analysis and trajectory modelling activities.
• Develop 3-DoF and 6-DoF simulation models and validate against data.
• Conduct CFD studies to support design decisions and performance predictions.
• Characterise flow behaviour and aerodynamic performance across operating conditions.
• Present findings to senior stakeholders and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Flight performance

Aerodynamics

Trajectory simulation

CFD analysis

Python

MATLAB

Fortran

6-DoF simulation

System integration

Education

Degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

OpenFOAM

STAR-CCM+

CFD++

Job description

Senior/Principal Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer

Advanced Defence Technology Programme

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an innovative, well-funded engineering organisation working at the forefront of advanced defence technology, developing next-generation flight systems for critical national security applications.

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly experienced engineering team during the early stages of a major product development programme. With funding secured and a clear technical roadmap in place, the team is progressing a sophisticated flight vehicle from concept through detailed design, development, integration and testing.

As a key member of the technical team, you will have significant influence over programme direction and engineering decisions, working closely with senior leadership to shape the future of a cutting-edge product. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative and highly autonomous, offering the chance to make a genuine impact from day one.

The successful candidate will lead flight performance analysis, aerodynamic modelling and trajectory simulation activities, helping define and optimise vehicle performance throughout the development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Engineering

• Lead vehicle performance analysis and trajectory modelling activities.
• Develop, maintain and execute 3-DoF and 6-DoF simulation models.
• Assess overall vehicle performance characteristics and system trade-offs.
• Support concept sizing, mission analysis and performance optimisation.
• Contribute to flight dynamics modelling and validation activities.

Aerodynamics

• Lead aerodynamic design and analysis activities from concept through detailed development.
• Develop aerodynamic databases using analytical, semi-empirical and computational methods.
• Conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies to support design decisions and performance predictions.
• Characterise flow behaviour and aerodynamic performance across varying operating conditions.
• Support aerodynamic validation using available test and analysis data.

Propulsion & Systems Analysis

• Evaluate propulsion system performance and integration considerations.
• Assess thrust, efficiency and operational performance characteristics.
• Support multidisciplinary trade studies across aerodynamics, propulsion and vehicle performance.
• Contribute to system-level modelling and optimisation activities.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Mentor and support junior engineers within the engineering function.
• Participate in design reviews, technical planning and future product development initiatives.
• Ensure engineering activities are delivered in line with quality, safety and security requirements.
• Contribute to the development of engineering processes, tools and best practices.
• Degree (or higher qualification) in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in flight performance, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics or related engineering disciplines.
• Experience developing and using trajectory simulation and performance modelling tools.
• Strong understanding of propulsion system performance and vehicle integration principles.
• Proven CFD experience using tools such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, CFD++ or equivalent.
• Experience developing aerodynamic models using both computational and analytical methods.
• Strong first-principles engineering approach and analytical problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
• Experience with 6-DoF simulation, flight dynamics and control system interaction.
• Programming and scripting experience using Python, MATLAB, Fortran or similar.
• Experience within defence, advanced engineering, flight systems, space, autonomy or other highly regulated industries.
• Chartered Engineer status, or working towards professional accreditation.
• Previous experience providing technical leadership or mentoring engineers.
• Experience within start-up or fast-growth technology environments.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be a technically strong engineer who enjoys tackling complex challenges and taking ownership of critical technical decisions. You'll thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment and be motivated by the opportunity to influence both product development and wider engineering strategy.

This position offers the chance to play a leading role in the development of next-generation defence flight systems, working on advanced technologies with real-world impact while helping shape a growing and ambitious engineering organisation.