Senior Aerodynamics Research Engineer

About Us

The Global Technology Center (GTC) is where we at GKN Aerospace work together to develop the technologies of the future, supporting the vision of sustainable aviation and the protection of democratic values. We enable the company to meet current and future challenges in the aerospace industry and deliver better products to our customers. 

To fulfil our mission, we establish and maintain strategic technology partnerships with key customers, companies, and academia. We identify new R&D opportunities that help mature technologies to TRL 6, manage intellectual property, invest in infrastructure, and, most importantly, invest in our people. 

We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference—talented people with the skills and passion to become the best in what they do. 

About the Role

As a Senior Aerodynamics Research Engineer within the Future Concepts team, you will work on next-generation aero engine and propulsion technologies, from early concept exploration to detailed aerodynamic analysis. 

You will apply methods across multiple levels of fidelity—from 1D mean line modelling to 3D unsteady CFD—to evaluate and optimize design concepts. The role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including performance, mechanical design, thermal, and controls engineering, as well as engagement with external research partners. 

You are expected to take responsibility for technically complex tasks and contribute with your experience to guide aerodynamic analysis approaches and engineering decisions. 

This position offers the opportunity to combine fundamental aerodynamics with practical application, contributing to both current engine improvements and future sustainable propulsion concepts in a research-driven, collaborative environment. 

About You

We are looking for you, who: 

• Has a strong interest in aerospace and propulsion technologies
• Is curious and motivated by complex technical challenges
• Is comfortable taking responsibility and driving work forward independently
• Shares knowledge and mentors junior engineers
• Takes a structured and analytical approach to problem solving
• Enjoys working collaboratively across disciplines
• Communicates clearly and effectively
• Shows initiative and contributes to a positive and innovative team environment

Responsibilities

• Aerodynamic design and verification of axial and radial turbomachinery components, stationary and rotating
• Use of mean-line (1-D), streamline (2D) and CFD (3D), turbomachinery design tools
• Aeroacoustics and aeroelastic analyses (flutter and forced response)
• Heat transfer analyses
• Design and analysis of heat management solutions, including network modelling, design and analysis of heat exchangers and auxiliary equipment, and two-phase flow simulations
• Collaboration with disciplines such as engine performance, mechanical design, thermal analysis, and controls
• Development of integrated aero engine systems and demonstrators, from concept to implementation and post-test analysis
• Development of analysis methods and tools
• Documentation and presentation of technical results internally and externally
• Participation in research and technology development projects with partners
• Responsibility for complex aerodynamic design, analysis and verification activities, ensuring quality and technical robustness
• Contribution to defining aerodynamic design and analysis methodologies, tools and best practices within the team
• Guidance and support to colleagues in technical topics
• Representation of the team in technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders
• Identification of technology gaps and new opportunities for technology development
• Contribution to the development of GKN as a Great Place to Work, aligned with our core principles: safe, innovative, open & honest, care & respect, and ownership

Qualifications

Required

• MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, aerodynamics, heat transfer, gas turbines, and propulsion systems
• Proven experience in aerodynamic design and analysis of jet engines from aerospace industry or relevant academic research
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Good communication skills in Swedish and English, both written and spoken

Desirable

• Experience with commercial tools such as Ansys Classic/WB/Fluent/CFX/Star-CCM+/AmeSim etc.
• Experience in UG-NX
• Programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++ or similar)
• Knowledge of CFD and turbulence modelling
• Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), including requirement management, system architecture modelling, functional decomposition, and development of logical and physical architectures

Employment

This full time position is based in Trollhättan, Sweden, as such, the applicant shall be able to gain the right to live and work in Sweden.

Travel to other locations within Sweden as well as the EU is expected.

Recruitment Process

Last date for application: 2026-08-30

For more information, please contact hiring manager:
Eric Blidmark, GTC Engineering manager
Eric.Blidmark@gknaerospace.com

The selection process is ongoing and therefore the position may be filled before the deadline for applying. Because of this we encourage you to not wait with submitting your application.

To ensure a structured and high-quality recruitment process, we exclusively accept applications through our recruitment tool, Careers.

As part of our recruitment strategy at GKN, we have predetermined our recruitment and marketing channels. Therefore, we kindly request no contact from recruitment agencies, media sales, or similar entities.

The position requires that you undergo and be approved according to the current regulations for security protection. For positions where GKN's customer has requirements for security classification, this may, in some cases, involve specific citizenship requirements.