Flight Performance Engineer

Based near Shaftesbury, Dorset (Semley SP7 9AW) – full time onsite –  6 month contract (can also consider permanent) – Pay rate negotiable based on experience

We are looking to recruit a Flight Performance Engineer to work for our aerospace client, based in Semley near Shaftesbury. Our client is a small but rapidly growing company specialising in next-generation propulsion systems, UAVs, UCAVs, and VTOL platforms designed to support the evolving operational requirements of modern defence. It’s an exciting time to join as the business continues to experience significant growth.

The Flight Performance Engineer is responsible for analysing, modelling, and optimising the performance of aerospace platforms across all phases of flight. The role provides strong technical capability in aircraft performance modelling, aerodynamic interaction, propulsion‑performance coupling, and mission analysis. The post holder will support the full engineering lifecycle—from concept development and preliminary sizing through to detailed performance analysis, verification, and in‑service support—ensuring that aircraft meet performance, efficiency, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Performance Analysis & Modelling

• Conduct detailed aircraft performance analysis including take‑off, climb, cruise, manoeuvre, descent, and landing.
• Develop and maintain performance models using analytical methods, simulation tools, and aerodynamic data.
• Evaluate the impact of configuration changes, mass properties, propulsion characteristics, and environmental conditions on performance.
• Support mission performance studies including range, endurance, payload capability, and energy usage.
• Produce performance reports, datasets, and compliance evidence.

Design Support & Configuration Development

• Provide performance input to airframe shaping, propulsion sizing, and aerodynamic configuration development.
• Support trade studies and optimisation activities to balance performance, weight, cost, and mission requirements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews and provide performance‑driven recommendations.
• Assist in resolving performance‑related issues identified during design, testing, or in‑service operation.

Verification, Testing & Correlation

• Support ground and flight test programmes by defining performance test points and data requirements.
• Analyse flight test data to validate performance models and update predictions.
• Correlate analytical and simulation results with real‑world performance measurements.
• Identify discrepancies, root causes, and corrective actions to improve performance accuracy.
• Ensure all performance evidence meets airworthiness and certification requirements.

Engineering Support & Collaboration

• Work closely with aerodynamics, propulsion, systems, and flight test teams to ensure performance considerations are integrated across the platform.
• Support operational analysis, mission planning, and performance‑based decision‑making.
• Contribute to the development of performance tools, methods, and best practices.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, prototype builds, and integration activities.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Aerodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Proven ability performing aircraft performance analysis within aerospace or defence environments.
• Strong understanding of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, propulsion, and mass properties.
• Proficiency with performance modelling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, in‑house simulation tools).
• Ability to interpret aerodynamic data, propulsion characteristics, and flight test results.
• Strong analytical skills with experience processing and interpreting performance datasets.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across engineering teams.
• Working knowledge of airworthiness, certification, and quality management processes.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of flight test planning, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with performance optimisation techniques and multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO).
• Knowledge of UAV, fixed‑wing, rotorcraft, or high‑performance aircraft performance modelling.
• Knowledge of environmental performance factors such as fuel burn, emissions, and energy efficiency.
• Use of PLM or document control systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, Vault).

Additional information:

This role is subject to UK Security Clearance requirements (BPSS, SC, or higher). The post holder must be eligible and able to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance.