Aerodynamics Engineer

Senior Propeller Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics Engineer

Location: Manchester, CT

Our client is an ambitious aerospace company developing next-generation propulsion technologies and is seeking an experienced Senior Propeller Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics Engineer to play a defining role in shaping future aircraft performance.

This is not a maintenance or incremental improvement role. You will own aerodynamic and aeroacoustic design capability from the ground up- creating quieter, more efficient propulsion architectures while helping establish the methods, tools, and frameworks that will underpin future programmes.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will directly influence the aerodynamic efficiency and acoustic performance of advanced propulsion systems. You’ll design hardware that flies while helping define the engineering capability that powers future aviation innovation.

What You’ll Be Doing

Design the Next Generation of Propellers

• Lead aerodynamic design and optimisation of propeller blades for high efficiency and reduced noise

• Develop blade geometries including twist, chord, sweep, thickness, and loading distributions

• Implement advanced noise reduction strategies including tip treatments, loading redistribution, blade count trade-offs, and RPM scheduling

• Balance aerodynamic, acoustic, structural, and integration requirements throughout development

Predict & Analyse Performance

• Perform aerodynamic and aeroacoustic analysis using analytical methods, reduced-order modelling, and CFD approaches

• Build predictive models linking blade geometry, operating conditions, and installation effects to propulsion performance and acoustic outcomes

• Evaluate propeller performance across full operating envelopes including thrust, power, and efficiency

Test, Learn & Improve

• Support wind tunnel campaigns, propulsion rig testing, and flight test activities

• Analyse aerodynamic and acoustic datasets using signal processing and system identification techniques

• Investigate installation effects including wing, pylon, fuselage interaction, and inflow distortion

Build Capability

• Establish internal aeroacoustic design methodologies, workflows, and modelling frameworks

• Partner closely with structures, propulsion, controls, and flight test teams

• Present technical findings through reviews, reporting, and certification activities

What We’re Looking For

• 8 years’ experience in propeller, rotorcraft, or turbomachinery aerodynamic design

• Degree (BSc/MSc/PhD) in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline (equivalent experience considered)

• Strong expertise in rotating-flow physics and propeller blade design principles

• Experience predicting tonal and broadband noise mechanisms in rotating systems

• Familiarity with BEMT, CFD, and aerodynamic performance tools

• Strong capability across modelling, simulation, testing, and data interpretation

• Systems-level thinking with the ability to translate analysis into practical hardware outcomes

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced engineering environment

Preferred Experience

• Electric propulsion or distributed propulsion architectures

• Propeller acoustic testing and microphone array methodologies

• Aerodynamic optimisation and parametric blade design tools

• Aircraft noise certification or community noise assessment experience

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly technical team at an early stage and make a measurable impact on the future of aerospace propulsion.

Interested? Apply directly or contact us confidentially to learn more.