Senior Aerodynamics Engineer at Alten in Preston, England, gb

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to support advanced combat air programmes within the defence sector. You will play a key role in the aerodynamic assessment and development of fast jet platforms, supporting activities across aeroelasticity, loads analysis, and stores release & jettison. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will contribute to the performance, safety, and integration of complex military aircraft systems.

This position is ideally suited to an experienced Aerospace Engineer with a strong background in aerodynamics and flight sciences, coupled with previous experience supporting fast jet programmes and resolving technically demanding engineering challenges.

Location: Warton
On-site Requirement: Full-Time Onsite
Seniority: Senior (5+ Years Experience)
Security Clearance: Candidates must be willing and eligible to obtain SC clearance.

Key Responsibilities & Experience

• Conduct aerodynamic analysis and assessments to support the development and performance of fast jet aircraft.
• Perform static and dynamic loads analysis, ensuring aircraft structures can withstand operational and environmental conditions.
• Support stores release and jettison activities, contributing to the safe integration and deployment of external stores and weapons systems.
• Undertake aeroelasticity assessments, evaluating the interaction between aerodynamic forces and structural behaviour.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams including structures, systems, flight sciences, and flight test specialists to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Produce technical documentation, present engineering findings, and provide recommendations to support design reviews and programme decision-making.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Demonstrable experience applying aerodynamic principles and analysis techniques within the aerospace sector, ideally on military or fast jet programmes.
• Strong understanding of aeroelasticity, including the assessment of aerodynamic and structural interactions across the flight envelope.
• Proven experience conducting static and dynamic loads assessments to support aircraft design, modification, or certification activities.
• Experience supporting stores release and jettison programmes, including the analysis of weapon or external store integration.
• Ability to interpret technical data, solve complex engineering problems, and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify practical solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactive and intuitive approach to problem solving within technically demanding environments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality engineering outputs to project deadlines.
• Collaborative working style with a commitment to continuous improvement and engineering excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience working within the Defence or Aerospace sector on military aircraft programmes.
• Exposure to flight test activities and the interpretation of flight test data.
• Familiarity with aircraft airworthiness, certification, or safety-critical engineering processes.
• Experience working on complex multidisciplinary aircraft development or modification programmes.

Additional Information

Why join us?

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.