Principal Aerodynamics Engineer

About the job

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

Salary: Up to £55,000 depending on experience 

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus of up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension of maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Paid overtime
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase)
• Up to 15 additional days flexi leave
• Our enhanced parental leave offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals, free car parking
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities

Dynamic (hybrid) working: This role requires on-site working in Bristol for the majority of the time due to security considerations and teamwork.  However, we will try to accommodate a limited amount of remote working where there are opportunities to do so.

The opportunity:

The Aerodynamics department have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Principal Aerodynamics Engineer.  As a senior member of the Aerodynamics team, you will lead studies into the aerodynamic design, characterisation and assessment of missile airframes, working at the cutting-edge of missile aerodynamics. 

This opportunity requires an experienced engineer who is able to deliver work packages on ambitious development projects. Does this sound like you? If so then read on!

The role is responsible for delivery of project milestones to time, cost and quality through collaboration with Aerodynamics team leads, Technical Experts, and Project Management teams. You will also support the Aerodynamics Group Leads with reporting, long-term management of team development, skill capability and recruitment.  The role also presents the opportunity to use a range of CFD tools and methods, as well as in-house performance analysis tools. You may also have the opportunity to lead wind tunnel testing campaigns and support to flight trials.

The Aerodynamics team work across a broad range of challenging flow regimes on all stages of the product life cycle, from early concept and detailed design, through to in-service support and integration of our missiles onto air, land and sea platforms.  The role includes the opportunity to work in a cross-functional team, collaborating with colleagues from System Design, Mechanical Design, Simulation & Modelling and Guidance, Navigation & Control.  There is also potential to work with external organisations such as the MOD, other aerospace companies & academia.

What we're looking for from you:

• An in-depth technical knowledge of Aerodynamics & Performance

• Experience of leading task packages and a proven track record of consistently delivering results to time, cost and quality

• Desire to invest time into developing others and providing mentorship and coaching

• Examples of good collaboration, communication and influencing skills

Our Business:

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), Twitter (@MBDAcareers), Instagram (lifeatMBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

Please Note: MBDA UK Limited requires all employees to achieve the required medical and national security clearance for their role. Further restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may also apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Due to the nature of our business, this particular vacancy requires the applicant as a minimum to be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship and capable of achieving the clearance levels mentioned above.