Performance Engineer (f/m/d)

As our Performance Engineer you will build and own CargoKite’s Performance Prediction Program (PPP) — the model that integrates aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, propulsion, and operational data to predict our vessel's fuel consumption in various conditions. As such, the PPP supports engineering studies, guides design decisions, and provides credible performance projections for internal and external stakeholders.

You will structure and integrate input data from multiple engineering domains, define appropriate model fidelity, and ensure consistent and traceable performance outputs across the company. This includes adapting and extending an existing PPP tool, implementing CargoKite-specific sub-models, and managing the release of ship performance polars.

You will work closely with the performance team, the kite control engineer, and domain experts across the organization to ensure the model reflects real system behavior. You will also design and oversee validation campaigns — numerical and physical — using model tests, sea trials, and external data to continuously improve the model’s reliability.

Ultimately, your work ensures that CargoKite makes sound engineering decisions based on consistent and technically credible performance predictions.

You are comfortable working across disciplines and translating physical understanding into practical models. You can adapt or implement sub-models where data is missing and define the level of fidelity required for reliable engineering decisions.

You combine technical depth with structured thinking and are able to bring clarity and consistency to complex data sets and models.

• Master's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Aeronautics, or a closely related engineering field
• ~5+ years experience working with VPP/PPP tools for sailing yachts, racing vessels, or wind-assisted commercial ships
• Experience building, modifying, or extending maritime performance prediction models
• Strong understanding of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance drivers of sailing vessels
• Ability to structure and manage input/output data across multiple engineering domains
• Programming or scripting skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB or similar) for model integration and data processing
• Experience implementing or adapting sub-models (e.g. propulsion, resistance, aerodynamic components)
• Structured and pragmatic engineering mindset with strong problem-solving ability
• Full professional proficiency in English

• Experience working with cargo ships or commercial vessel performance models
• Familiarity with wind-assisted propulsion technologies
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), running simulations and/ or interpreting CFD results

• German language skills

Note: This is not a pure CFD role. While CFD results may be used as inputs, the position requires hands-on experience with vessel performance prediction (VPP/PPP) and previous exposure to state of the art modeling approaches for sails and/ or WPS systems. 

At CargoKite we work on the frontier of maritime autonomy and wind propulsion for commercial shipping. You will take a central role in a growing clean‑tech startup developing technology that helps reduce emissions in global shipping and shape the next era of container shipping. 

Within this context, we offer:

• A central technical role owning and shaping the performance modeling of next‑generation wind propulsion systems
• The opportunity to work at the intersection of naval architecture, aerodynamics, flight physics, and maritime autonomy
• A collaborative, purpose‑driven engineering environment with high ownership and real impact on product development
• The opportunity to validate models using real vessels and experimental sea trials, including our dedicated CTV test platform based in Lisbon
• The chance to work on technology that directly contributes to reducing emissions in global shipping and advancing more sustainable maritime transport
• Competitive monthly salary