Senior Missile & Flight Performance Engineer

Matchtech Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity opportunity

Career growth

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

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.