Head of Simulation and Flight Sciences (Permanent)

Head of Simulation and Flight Sciences


Exciting new Permanent opportunity for a Head of Simulation and Flight Sciences based in Bedfordshire.

Our client is a privately-held Aerospace OEM company. The company has a range of proprietary designs (patents & IP) which provide Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) solutions for both the commercial and defence markets, with its current major focus on a long endurance surveillance aircraft (optionally manned) and a heavy lift logistics aircraft capable of lifting 50-tonnes.

As a technology company one of our main core values is innovation and we have a genuine focus on being the best at all we do to positively impact our aircraft designs today and for the future, to meet the needs of our customers. Other equally important core values include delivery to our customers whilst always ensuring we meet the highest standards of safety. Our vision is 'to remain the leading provider of Hybrid Air Vehicles & LTA technology'.

As a Head of Simulation and Flight Sciences you will predominantly have three main elements to this role:
* To coordinate all the company's product technical simulation, modelling, aerodynamics (hand calculation, CFD, wind tunnel etc.), loads development, and collection / processing of ground and flight test data for the aircraft product range under the guidance of the Technical Director.
* To manage the Flight Sciences Department team, it's work load and product output in conjunction with the Programmes team and Flight Test team. To play an active and central part in the developmental, ground based and free flight testing of the Company's products ensuring that tests produce data suitable for analysis.

Key Responsibilities:


Key accountabilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Technical Director with delivery of the following key tasks:
* Managing and coordinating the Flight Sciences Department.
* Conceptual level aerodynamic calculation, CFD modelling and matching to flight/heritage data.
* Co-ordination of wind tunnel test programs, analysis/interpretation of results and reporting.
* Development of manoeuvre, dynamic and vehicle response loads.
* Management, creation and documentary control of vehicle level models and simulation (including supporting the flight crew training device / flight simulator)
* Carry out endurance / range performance analysis and trade-studies.
* Manage the delivery of flight test instrumentation (not aircraft test hardware) data across the aircraft into all user groups / departments for analysis of whole aircraft / aircraft system performance.
* Support the Technical Director and Chief Designer in presenting such data (per above) at customer / supplier meetings.
* Provide concept level design support to the Technical Director and Chief Designer to establish project direction / initial sizing.
* Provide analysis support to other technical areas of the business.


Person Specification:

Education / Training / Qualifications:

* Expectation is that this role is a minimum of MSc, PhD Aero Eng and/or substantial time served in a similar role.
* The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary over time. Job holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and scope of the role

Experience:

* At least 10 years of experience in simulation and aerodynamic design within an aviation / performance automotive engineering business or technical office environment.
* Significant experience in aerodynamics, preferably having practical experience in flight test and wind tunnel vehicle development / test.
* Experience in providing and evaluating loads and performance data for civil certification / flight test approval / release.
* Experience in simulation and modelling of complex multi-discipline systems including trade study and performance interaction and analysis.
* Experience of managing a science-based department including reporting to and working with programme management professionals.

Knowledge:

* Extensive knowledge of aerodynamics (Classic, CFD and wind tunnel), flight dynamics and loadings, simulation and modelling tools/environments.

Skills / Abilities / Competencies:

* Excellent verbal communication / negotiation skills with people across the whole business at all levels.
* Excellent written communication skills combined with a good level of literacy and numeracy.
* PC literate - MS Office, Mathcad, Simulink, background Knowledge of 'C' and Visual basic programming languages, Vector, GS Works etc













Personal Attributes:

* Self-disciplined team player.
* Conscientious, with an eye for detail and diligence in ensuring process compliance.
* Positive work ethic.
* Good time management / prioritisation skills.
* Structured approach to work and challenges.
* A flexible approach to the requirements of the role and commitment to supporting effective delivery of the Company's objectives.

Other Requirements:

* A good understanding of aeronautical methods.
* Able to work with overall vehicle performance and other systems design groups within the company.
* Familiar with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
* Familiarity with CFD and Matlab software an advantage.

About Aeropeople:

Aeropeople are a leading dedicated Aerospace and Autosport technical services provider specialising in the recruitment of permanent and temporary staff. With our heritage firmly embedded in the Aerospace industry, we ensure the highest levels of expertise and
commitment not only our customers but in placing our permanent & temporary staff.
With our head office in Cambridge, support offices throughout the UK and offices in Germany, UAE and Italy, Aeropeople are best placed to service your career aspirations.

To see our full list of current vacancies, training courses, latest news or to find out any further information about Aeropeople please call the Recruitment team on [Removed] or visit our website www.aeropeople.com