V06198 - Lead Aerodynamicist

Lead Aerodynamicist
Location: Warton, Lancashire
Contract: 12 Months
Hours: 37 hours per week | Full-time, On-site (4 days per week, Mon–Thurs preferred)
Rate: £47.41 PAYE or £63.96 Umbrella (Inside IR35)
Clearance: BPSS & Full SC (ITAR restrictions apply)

The Opportunity
We are recruiting for an experienced Lead Aerodynamicist to join BAE Systems' Flight Sciences Engineering team on a 12-month contract. This senior role will provide specialist aerodynamic expertise across current and future Air programmes, supporting the design, analysis, testing and flight clearance of complex air vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide aerodynamic support across a range of Air Sector programmes.
• Lead aerodynamic research, design, computational analysis and testing.
• Support flight clearance activities.
• Contribute to aerodynamic toolset development and digital transformation.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with engineering governance and SHE standards.

Specialist Knowledge
Candidates should have expertise in one (or two) of the following:

• Flight Control Law Development
• Flight Mechanics, Stability & Control
• CFD
• Air Vehicle Performance
• Configuration Aerodynamic Design
• Propulsion Integration
• Aerostructures
• Air Data Systems
• Aerodynamic Methods Development
• Stores Release & Jettison
• Near Field Acoustics & Vibration

About You

• 8–10 years' post-graduate experience in aerodynamics within industry or research.
• Degree (BSc/MEng/MSc) in a STEM subject.
• PhD or equivalent aeronautical research experience is desirable.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace programmes within a collaborative engineering environment at BAE Systems.