Senior Research Associate in Aircraft Design

The role

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Bristol aerodynamics/control and dynamics teams studying conceptual design of small unmanned aerial vehicles. The role will focus not only on aircraft conceptual design but also including the influence of control and stability, with the objective being to deliver test geometries and sizing in order to enable concept selection. This will facilitate subsequent improvement of the chosen concept using aerodynamic shape optimisation, alongside other team members.

What will you be doing?

• Aircraft conceptual design and sizing using preliminary analysis tools.
• Perform aircraft conceptual and sizing design studies for small unmanned aerial vehicles using a variety of propulsion options and aircraft requirements
• Develop and incorporate stability and control constraints in the conceptual design loop, considering both control surface and active flow control effectors (the latter in conjunction with the industrial partner)
• Document estimated performance data and present results at review meetings
• The role-holder may be given development opportunities to undertake activities such as teaching on Masters and Doctoral programmes and/or supervising MSc dissertations within the School of Civil, Aerospace & Design Engineering, as appropriate.

You should apply if

• You are a technically excellent engineer with a keen drive to understand aircraft design.

Essential:

• Experience in aircraft conceptual design and sizing
• Experience in the field of aircraft stability and control

Desirable:

• Experience with CAD and/or aircraft conceptual design software tools
• Experience with aircraft propulsion models
• Experience with computational aerodynamic methods, including potential flow tools and CFD
• Capable of developing/programming numerical analysis software

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term contract until 01/02/2025

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 22/09/2024

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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