Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer

Matchtech

Greater London

On-site

GBP 90,000 - 125,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Senior/Principal Performance & Aerodynamics Engineer to lead aircraft and missile performance analyses in a defence-focused programme in Greater London. You will own aerodynamic modelling, trajectory simulation, and data development across the project lifecycle.

You will guide design choices, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with leadership to shape technology roadmaps while working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

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).

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.

Skills

Missile/rocket/high-performance aero

Flight performance analysis/trajectory

Aerodynamic modelling across flight

Mentoring & technical leadership

Education

Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Physics

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

OpenFOAM

CFD++

MATLAB

Python

Fortran

Job description

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

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