Aerodynamic UAV Simulation Engineer Job at Helsing (Munich)

Job Responsibility

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

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

Competitive salary and VSOP options
Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance
Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)
Social: regular company events and monthly social allowances
Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work
A hands-on onboarding program ('Infraduction')