Performance Engineer – GT Wings

GT Wings; Fareham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering maritime technology company in Fareham is seeking a Performance Engineer to drive innovation in wind propulsion systems. You will be responsible for developing models and analyzing performance data to optimize fuel savings and validate environmental benefits. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of experience in performance analysis, proficiency in Python, and a passion for sustainability in maritime transport. Join the team at the forefront of revolutionizing shipping practices.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in performance analysis or simulation engineering.
• Solid knowledge of vessel resistance and propulsion.
• Experience interpreting CFD results or working with experimental data.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine performance models to evaluate fuel savings and thrust.
• Analyse data from CFD and sea trials to validate predictions.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve designs.

Skills

Performance analysis

Aero-hydrodynamics

Data analysis

Communication skills

CFD tools

R&D environment experience

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

CFD tools (STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, OpenFOAM)

Job description

GT Wings Fareham, England, United Kingdom

Performance Engineer – GT Wings

GT Wings Fareham, England, United Kingdom

Direct message the job poster from GT Wings

At GT Wings, we’re putting wings on ships — literally. Our AirWing is a groundbreaking wind propulsion system for commercial vessels that slashes fuel consumption, cuts emissions, and sets a new course for the future of maritime transport. With our first full-scale installation complete, multiple Innovate UK-backed projects in flight, and deep collaborations with leading universities, GT Wings is entering a new era of rapid innovation and scale-up.

We’re not just building a product — we’re building a movement.

Why this role matters

As a Performance Engineer, you’ll be the analytical engine powering our mission. You’ll own the models, methods, and data pipelines that define how our technology performs—from early-stage design through to open-sea validation. This is a high-impact role where hydrodynamics meets aerodynamics, simulation meets sea trial, and performance meets purpose. Your insights will shape product development, guide commercial decisions, and validate the environmental benefits of our technology.

You’ll help us answer the big questions:

• How can we develop the aerodynamic innovations for the next generation of AirWing?
• How much fuel can we save across a global fleet?
• How do we integrate AirWing performance into vessel design and routing?
• How do we prove value—credibly, transparently, and fast?

What you’ll do

• Build and refine performance models (e.g. VPPs, PPPs) to evaluate fuel savings, thrust, drag, and interaction effects
• Analyse data from CFD, wind tunnels, and sea trials — interpret results and validate performance predictions
• Collaborate closely with naval architects, CFD specialists, and engineering teams to improve designs and performance forecasts
• Define test plans and help coordinate performance assessments in the lab and at sea
• Translate performance insights into design feedback, commercial tools, and regulatory reports
• Support impact analysis for sustainability frameworks like EEDI, EEXI, and FuelEU

What we’re looking for (Must-haves)

• 3–5 years of experience in performance analysis, naval architecture, or simulation engineering
• Solid knowledge of aero-hydrodynamics, vessel resistance, and propulsion
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis and modelling
• Experience interpreting CFD results or working with experimental data
• Excellent communication skills—able to simplify complex ideas and present them clearly
• Background in naval architecture, vessel optimisation, or wind-assisted propulsion
• Familiarity with CFD tools (STAR-CCM+, ANSYS, OpenFOAM, etc.)
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for fuel savings and emissions (EEDI, EEXI, etc.)
• Exposure to wind tunnel or tank testing, and data-driven validation approaches
• Experience working in an R&D or innovation-heavy environment

Education

• Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• Postgraduate or research experience a plus

Who you are

• A technical thinker who thrives on turning complex data into meaningful insight
• Comfortable working across disciplines—from hydrodynamics to programming
• Energised by solving first-of-a-kind problems with creative, rigorous approaches
• Passionate about sustainability, clean shipping, and making a real-world impact
• Excited to work in a fast-moving, purpose-driven team
• Help lead the next revolution in shipping—powered by the wind
• Be part of a team shaping a new design language for vessels in a zero-carbon world
• Work on exciting, visible projects backed by top shipowners, leading universities, and Innovate UK
• See your insights make a difference—in design rooms, on the docks, and out at sea
• Join the movement at its tipping point—the wings are flying, and the future is now

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Maritime Transportation