Senior Aerodynamicist Location: Oxford, Hybrid, flexible working hours An innovative client decarbonising the aviation sector is looking for Senior Aerodynamicist to join their team. You will be part of a friendly and welcoming team of passionate innovators, every single one making a real difference in the path towards the dream of clean, sustainable flight. We encourage healthy work-life balance by supporting flexible working hours and hybrid working from home. During times of testing there will be on-site requirements. The successful candidate will be part of the design, development, integration and testing of VTOL drone flight control systems and hybrid energy distribution systems. The systems will need a control interface with the telemetry to monitor power electronics, power sources, sensors and motor invertor. You will be working on some cutting-edge technology! Benefits: • EMI share options • 25 days bank holidays (1 per year of service up to a maximum of 5) • 5 days carried forward, used within 6 months • Enhanced sick leave • Enhanced paternity/maternity leave • Salary sacrifice pension scheme 5% company contribution • Private Medical Insurance • Group Life Insurance • Group Critical Illness Insurance • Group Income Protection Insurance • Cash Plan for dental, optical etc. • Employee Assistance Programme • Up to £400/year reimbursement of professional registration fees • Cycle to work scheme • Shopping discounts • Visa sponsorship and costs covered Job summary As Senior Aerodynamicist, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the aerodynamic design and analysis of novel aerospace turbomachinery architectures. Your work will involve developing solutions using preliminary design codes, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and lab-scale validation testing to enhance overall system performance. This role requires extensive experience in turbomachinery design, aerodynamic optimisation, proficiency with industry-standard tools, and the ability to lead projects from concept through to validation. Your responsibilities • Lead aerodynamic design and optimisation of turbomachinery for aerospace systems. • Design and develop compressors and turbines, from initial sizing through to testing. • Conduct CFD simulations using software such as Ansys Fluent or OpenFOAM. • Plan, manage, and execute turbomachinery testing. • Analyse aerodynamic data to validate models and improve designs. • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., propulsion, structures, control systems). • Ensure designs comply with applicable aerospace regulations and standards. • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior team members. • Support the development of proposals for funding and new projects. Selection criteria Essential • Master’s Degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. • Minimum 5 years combined academic and industry experience specialising in aerodynamics. • Proven experience in aerodynamic modelling and optimisation of turbomachinery (preliminary design, CFD and testing). • Proficiency in CFD tools such as Ansys Fluent or OpenFOAM. • Hands-on experience with experimental validation. • Strong understanding of performance factors and their influence at system level. • Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate technical results clearly. Desirable • PhD in Aerodynamics or related discipline. • Experience with radial and mixed flow turbines and compressors. • Experience managing aerodynamics projects or teams. • Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes applied to aerodynamic components. • Knowledge of aerospace standards (e.g. DO-160G). Application Questions Are you comfortable commuting to this job’s location? Have you completed the following level of education: Master's Degree? How many years of combined academic (e.g. PhD) and industry experience do you have? Do you have hands-on experience designing, building and running compressor and turbine experiments?