Aerodynamic UAV Simulation Engineer

• Build, calibrate and run low-fidelity aerodynamic models using Panel Methods, Vortex Lattice Methods and 2D boundary layer tools to rapidly evaluate early-stage concept designs, while executing high-fidelity 3D CFD simulations to resolve complex flow behaviours including rotor-wing interactions and fuselage drag 

• Generate, maintain and deliver comprehensive aerodynamic databases to Flight Dynamics, Control Law and Simulation teams, ensuring data quality and traceability meet programme requirements at each design milestone 

• Define and plan physical test setups, including wind tunnel campaigns, ground benches and flight test manoeuvres, executing validation tests in close collaboration with the Test Department and correlating sensor data back to simulation models to improve solver accuracy 

• Participate in airframe design reviews, providing quantitative aerodynamic feedback and guidance to Mechanical and Systems Engineering teams that directly informs structural and configuration trade-off decisions 

• Contribute to the automation of the simulation pipeline by scripting CAD-to-solver workflows in Python or MATLAB, reducing manual effort and accelerating design iteration cycles 

• Have analysed and characterised aerodynamic performance of UAVs or light aerospace systems using both low-fidelity tools such as OpenVSP/VSPAERO, XFLR5/XFOIL and AVL, and commercial CFD packages such as ANSYS Fluent, StarCCM+ or OpenFOAM 

• Have planned and executed physical validation test campaigns, including sensor instrumentation setup and post-test data correlation, bridging simulation outputs and measured results into improved solver accuracy 

• Apply a strong working understanding of subsonic flight mechanics, boundary layer physics, wing design and rotorcraft-induced flow fields to inform practical design decisions 

• Write scripting workflows in Python or MATLAB that automate simulation processing, geometric parametrisation and data visualisation across complex aerodynamic analyses 

• Act decisively with minimal guidance, own outcomes end-to-end and initiate solutions without waiting for direction 

Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.

• Experience contributing to conceptual airframe design trade studies, translating aerodynamic data into configuration-level recommendations for multidisciplinary engineering teams 

• Familiarity with rotor-airframe interaction modelling and the specific aerodynamic challenges of hybrid or transitioning UAV configurations 

• Helsing’s work is important. You’ll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns

• The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world

• Our work frequently takes us right up to the state of the art in technical innovation, be it reinforcement learning, distributed systems, generative AI, or deployment infrastructure. The defence industry is entering the most exciting phase of the technological development curve. Advances in our field of world are not incremental: Helsing is part of, and often leading, historic leaps forward

• In our domain, success is a matter of order-of-magnitude improvements and novel capabilities. This means we take bets, aim high, and focus on big opportunities. Despite being a relatively young company, Helsing has already been selected for multiple significant government contracts

• We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we do and how we choose to do it. Teams and individual engineers are trusted (and encouraged) to practise responsible autonomy and critical thinking, and to focus on outcomes, not conformity. At Helsing you will have a say in how we (and you!) work, the opportunity to engage on what does and doesn’t work, and to take ownership of aspects of our culture that you care deeply about

Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.