Senior CFD & Aerodynamics Engineer

McLaren Racing; Woking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

McLaren Accelerator is seeking a CFD & Aero Senior Specialist on a fixed-term contract to provide expert CFD across partner projects. You will apply advanced simulation techniques within multidisciplinary teams, delivering technical insight and commercially valuable outcomes.

You will lead geometry preparation, meshing, solver setup and post-processing, ensuring accuracy and robust results. Ideal candidates have motorsport experience, strong communication, and the ability to work autonomously

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related STEM discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, turbulence modelling, heat transfer and associated simulation methodologies.
• Industrial CFD experience applying simulation techniques to complex engineering challenges.

Responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert in CFD, supporting delivery of McLaren Accelerator projects.
• Develop and execute CFD studies for aerodynamic, fluid flow, thermal and multi-physics challenges.
• Create, modify and maintain CAD geometry for simulation and engineering assessment.
• Manage CFD work packages from concept to delivery, including geometry prep, meshing, solver setup, post-processing and validation.
• Interpret results and provide clear technical recommendations to project teams.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Technical Consulting and High-Performance Programmes to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

CFD expertise

Aerodynamics

Python

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related STEM

Tools

OpenFOAM

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS Fluent

CATIA

NX

Job description

McLaren Accelerator is a multidisciplinary consulting and engineering business that applies the technology, methodology and high-performance culture of Formula 1 to help organisations solve complex challenges and unlock competitive advantage.

Drawing on McLaren Racing's championship-winning expertise, we work across engineering, technical consulting and high-performance programmes to deliver measurable impact through people, processes and products. By combining elite engineering, advanced analytics and innovative ways of working, we help partners accelerate innovation, improve performance and drive sustainable growth.

Our teams bring together expertise from engineering, simulation, data science, manufacturing, project delivery and organisational performance to deliver solutions that are faster, smarter and built for lasting impact.

Job Description

We are looking for a CFD & Aero Senior Specialist to join McLaren Accelerator on a fixed-term contract, providing specialist Computational Fluid Dynamics expertise across a range of partner projects.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who are available to start in the near future, ideally as soon as possible.

Working within multidisciplinary teams, you'll apply advanced simulation techniques to solve complex engineering challenges, delivering technical insight and commercially valuable outcomes for our partners. You will collaborate closely with engineers, consultants, project managers and subject matter experts, helping translate McLaren Racing's engineering excellence into real-world solutions across multiple industries.

What You'll Be Doing

• Act as a subject matter expert in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), supporting the delivery of McLaren Accelerator engineering projects.
• Develop and execute CFD studies to solve complex aerodynamic, fluid flow, thermal and multi-physics challenges across a range of engineering applications.
• Create, modify and maintain CAD geometry suitable for simulation and engineering assessment activities.
• Manage CFD work packages from concept through to delivery, taking ownership of geometry preparation, meshing, solver setup, post-processing and validation activities.
• Analyse and interpret simulation results, providing clear technical recommendations to project teams and customers.
• Collaborate across Engineering, Technical Consulting and High-Performance Programmes to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support proposal development, project scoping and technical bid activities.
• Develop and improve CFD methodologies, workflows and best practices.
• Work with commercial partners, academic institutions, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Contribute to capability development through knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Support the delivery of High-Performance Programmes by bringing engineering experiences to life within partner environments.

Qualifications

Required

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related STEM discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, turbulence modelling, heat transfer and associated simulation methodologies.
• Demonstrable industrial experience in aerodynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), applying simulation techniques to solve complex engineering challenges within a high-performance multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong knowledge of CFD processes, including geometry preparation, meshing, solver setup, convergence assessment, validation and post-processing.
• Experience with OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent or similar CFD tools.
• Experience with Python, scripting, process automation or data analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of meshing strategies and simulation accuracy considerations.
• CAD modelling and surfacing experience using CATIA, NX or similar systems.
• Ability to independently develop geometry, execute simulations and provide technical recommendations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience delivering technical projects against agreed objectives and deadlines.
  
• Experience within Formula 1 or othermotorsport environments.
• Experience in aeroacoustics, turbomachinery, thermodynamics.
• Experience developing cloud-based High Performance Computing (HPC) environments for CFD analysis.
• Experience correlating CFD predictions with experimental or test data.
• Experience delivering customer-facing engineering, consultancy or technical project work.
• Experience working with academic institutions or external technical partners.
  

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, proactive and capable of working independently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communicator who thrives in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to perform under pressure and manage changing priorities.
• Committed to continuous learning, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Professional, team-oriented and willing to travel occasionally as required.

Additional Information

Success in racing comes from bringing together talented people with different skills, perspectives and experiences. We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to deliver their best work.

Every role has the potential to drive high performance. You’ll be part of a team united by a shared ambition to push boundaries and embody our racing mindset. We invest in our people through opportunities to develop and grow, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.

Alongside a range of wellbeing initiatives and development opportunities, we’re committed to helping you build a rewarding career and make your mark at McLaren Racing.