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Aerodynamic Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Aerodynamics Engineer

San Jose, CA

$160K - $220K/yr

Lead the aerodynamic design and optimization of aircraft OML components to maximize performance and ... Aerospace Engineering or a related field * 10+ years of experience with BS, or 8+ years of ...

Archer

Aerodynamics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Lead the aerodynamic design and optimization of aircraft OML components to maximize performance and ... Aerospace Engineering or a related field * 10+ years of experience with BS, or 8+ years of ...

Hermeus

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with aerodynamic design and analysis techniques for high-speed flight. * Solid programming skills (Python, MATLAB, etc.) for data analysis and modeling. * Effective communication skills ...

Hermeus

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with aerodynamic design and analysis techniques for high-speed flight. * Solid programming skills (Python, MATLAB, etc.) for data analysis and modeling. * Effective communication skills ...

Hermeus

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with aerodynamic design and analysis techniques for high-speed flight. * Solid programming skills (Python, MATLAB, etc.) for data analysis and modeling. * Effective communication skills ...

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Aerodynamic Design Engineer information

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How much do aerodynamic design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerodynamic design engineer in California is $14.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $14.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerodynamic design engineer?

To thrive as an Aerodynamic Design Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, mechanical or aerospace engineering, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and CAD tools is essential, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills that help address complex design challenges. Mastery of these skills ensures the creation of efficient, safe, and innovative aerodynamic solutions vital to competitive product development in aerospace and automotive industries.

What are some common challenges faced by aerodynamic design engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Aerodynamic Design Engineers frequently collaborate with teams such as structural engineers, manufacturing, and testing crews, which can pose challenges in aligning priorities and balancing design trade-offs. For example, an optimal aerodynamic shape might conflict with manufacturability or structural integrity requirements. Effective communication, flexibility, and a strong understanding of interdisciplinary constraints are key to finding solutions that satisfy all stakeholders. Being proactive in early-stage discussions and using simulation tools to present data-driven options can help mitigate potential conflicts and streamline the design process.

What is the difference between Aerodynamic Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAerodynamic Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning airflow for aircraft, vehicles, or turbinesDesigning mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, sports equipmentManufacturing, automotive, energy, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals and similar credentials, Aerodynamic Design Engineers focus specifically on airflow and fluid dynamics in aerospace and automotive contexts. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on mechanical systems across multiple industries. The key difference lies in specialization: aerodynamic design versus general mechanical systems.

What does an aerodynamic design engineer do?

An Aerodynamic Design Engineer is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing the shape and features of vehicles, aircraft, or other objects to improve their aerodynamic performance. They use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and wind tunnel testing to reduce drag, increase efficiency, and ensure stability during motion. Their work is crucial in industries like aerospace, automotive, and motorsports, where minimizing air resistance and maximizing speed or fuel economy is essential.
What are popular job titles related to Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs in California? For Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs in California are:
Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerodynamic Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,939 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Aerodynamics Engineer, Air Vehicles

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,061 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Air Dominance and Strike Aerodynamics Engineering Team is responsible for the advanced aerodynamic design and analysis for Group 5 air vehicles and missile platforms. Air Dominance and Strike Aerodynamics Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from conceptual design to flight test planning, execution and analysis ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Aerodynamic design of unmanned air vehicles/missiles at conceptual, preliminary, and detail design maturities
  • Aerodynamic analysis of unmanned air vehicles, using both low and high order methods,
  • including analysis tool development and improvement as needed
  • Stability and control analysis
  • Aircraft performance modeling and simulation
  • Aerodynamic loads generation
  • Wind tunnel test planning, execution, and analysis
  • Flight test planning, execution, and analysis

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS or higher degree in Aerospace Engineering
  • 3+ work experience as an individual contributing engineer
  • Experience with aircraft performance and analysis predictions 
  • Competent in a variety of aerodynamic analysis techniques including hand calculations, vortex, lattice methods, panel methods, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Wind tunnel and flight test experience including data acquisition, data analysis and project coordination
  • Strong programming skills in higher-level languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for internal tool development in a version-controlled environment
  • Experience preparing formal documentation (i.e., specifications, test procedures, technical reports, etc.)
  • Passion for defending the United States and her allies
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • StarCCM+ experience
  • Ice accretion or icing analysis experience
  • Missile DATCOM, OTIS, or DYMOS
  • Experience with transonic and supersonic flow regimes
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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