Role overview

We are looking for an experienced CFD & Simulation Engineer to run aerodynamics and CFD studies, build and validate simulation environments, and support SITL and HITL testing. The role covers aerodynamic and thermal analysis, simulation model development, virtual testing, and correlation of predictions with field test data.

What you'll do

Aerodynamics & CFD

Run parametric CFD studies (OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent or Star-CCM+) on body geometry, fairing profiles and structural cross-sections to minimise drag while preserving structural margins
Characterise propulsion-body interactions: wake interference in compact layouts, asymmetric loading at steep angles of attack, and performance variation across operating speed ranges
Model altitude-dependent aerodynamic performance, including air density variation from sea level to 5,000 m and its effect on drag, propulsive efficiency and range
Perform thermal CFD analysis for onboard electronics and power source cooling under sustained high-power operation in compact, sealed enclosures
Validate CFD predictions against field test data by correlating predicted vs measured drag, power draw and energy consumption
Drive aerodynamic shape optimisation using adjoint methods, surrogate models or parametric sweeps

Simulation & Virtual Testing

Build and validate Gazebo simulation environments with accurate aerodynamic models, propulsion dynamics and sensor noise models
Integrate SITL frameworks so guidance and control engineers can test autonomous algorithms without field tests
Develop scenario libraries covering engagement geometries, speeds, altitudes and environmental conditions (wind, turbulence, density variation)
Design HITL test bench specifications that connect real embedded hardware to the simulation physics engine
Create automated regression test pipelines that run algorithm changes against the scenario library and flag performance regressions
Keep simulation fidelity high by continuously updating aerodynamic and propulsion models as new test data arrives

What you'll need

Demonstrated experience with ROS 2 and Gazebo (Classic or Harmonic), including custom plugin development for aerodynamic and propulsion models
Strong Python and C++ skills for simulation scripting, data analysis, post-processing and plugin development
Understanding of propulsive aerodynamics: blade element theory, performance variation with operating conditions, wake interaction effects
Ability to process and interpret test data: sensor logs, power telemetry and position traces
3+ years of hands-on CFD experience in external aerodynamics, including mesh generation, turbulence modelling and validation against wind tunnel or test data
B.Tech or M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computational Fluid Dynamics

Nice to have

Work on high-speed UAV or munition aerodynamics, especially where compressibility corrections matter
Propeller or rotor CFD experience: rotating reference frames, actuator disk models or blade-resolved simulations
Familiarity with PX4 SITL integration and MAVLink
Background in design optimisation: adjoint methods, Bayesian optimisation or multi-objective evolutionary algorithms
Hands-on rapid prototyping (3D printing, CNC, composite fabrication) for aerodynamic validation articles