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Aerodynamicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mach Industries

Aerodynamicist

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

As an aerodynamicist, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to analyze and refine vehicle performance, enhance aerodynamic efficiency, and integrate cutting-edge designs into ...

Aptera Motors

Aerodynamicist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Aptera Motors is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing ...

Lockheed Martin Corporation

What You Will Be Doing The GNC Engineer/Aerodynamicist will be an integral part of the combined Aerodynamic and GNC team performing simulation and modeling of missile 6DOF Integrated Flight ...

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Aerodynamicist information

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$8

$26

$61

How much do aerodynamicist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerodynamicist in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do aerodynamicists earn?

Aerodynamicists typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry sector. Senior roles or those in specialized fields such as aerospace or automotive design can offer higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and relevant certifications can also influence earning potential.

How does an aerodynamicist typically collaborate with other engineering teams during a project?

Aerodynamicists work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, structural, and manufacturing engineers, as well as designers and test engineers. They frequently participate in design reviews, share simulation data, and provide feedback to ensure aerodynamic considerations are integrated into the overall product. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as aerodynamicists often need to balance performance goals with practical constraints such as manufacturability and regulatory requirements. This collaborative environment offers valuable opportunities to learn from other specialties and contribute to innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Aerodynamicist vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerodynamicistAerospace Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design teams, testing facilities focused on aerodynamicsDesign, development, testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerodynamics research, wind tunnel testing, and fluid dynamicsBroader roles including structural design, propulsion, and systems integration

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work within aerospace industries, an Aerodynamicist specializes specifically in fluid flow and aerodynamic performance, whereas an Aerospace Engineer has a broader scope, covering multiple engineering disciplines involved in aircraft and spacecraft development.

What jobs use aerodynamics?

Aerodynamicists work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, sports engineering, and defense, applying principles of fluid dynamics to design and optimize vehicles, aircraft, missiles, and wind turbines. They often use computational tools like CFD software and may collaborate with engineers and designers to improve performance and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerodynamicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerodynamicist, you need a strong background in fluid dynamics, engineering mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and data analysis tools is essential, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help Aerodynamicists collaborate effectively and present complex findings clearly. These skills are crucial for designing efficient, safe, and innovative aerodynamic solutions in industries like aviation, automotive, and motorsports.

What does an aerodynamicist do?

An aerodynamicist is a specialist who studies the movement of air and how it interacts with solid objects, such as vehicles, aircraft, or sports equipment. They use principles of fluid dynamics to optimize shapes and designs to reduce drag, improve efficiency, and enhance performance. Their work often involves computer simulations, wind tunnel testing, and analyzing data to recommend design modifications. Aerodynamicists are commonly employed in the aerospace, automotive, and sports industries.

What engineers make 500,000?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, including senior aerodynamicists or those in leadership roles at major aerospace or defense companies, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, especially for those with specialized skills, advanced degrees, and extensive industry experience.

What is the job of an aerodynamicist?

An aerodynamicist designs and analyzes the airflow around objects such as aircraft, vehicles, or turbines to improve performance and efficiency. They use computational tools like CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and wind tunnel testing to optimize shapes and reduce drag. The role often requires a background in physics or engineering and knowledge of aerodynamics principles.
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What are popular job titles related to Aerodynamicist jobs? For Aerodynamicist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Aerodynamicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerodynamicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Senior Aerodynamicist

Senior Aerodynamicist

Analytical Mechanics Associates

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$150K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

AMA is seeking a Senior Aerodynamicist with program management experience to support an aircraft flight dynamics model for the DOD. Experience with the following disciplines is needed: flight dynamics modeling and simulation, aerodynamics modeling for fixed-wing aircraft, aerodynamic table development, reduced-order analytical modeling, and aerodynamic coefficient analysis. This will include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in support of aerodynamic characterization and flight dynamics model development. Experience with the integration of aeroelastic effects into flight dynamics models is desirable. Depending on experience, the aerodynamicist may serve in a management role over flight dynamics model development including responsibility for cost, schedule and technical performance.

Education and Qualifications:

Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum 10-15 years of applicable work-related experience.

Familiarity with various CFD codes

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work with distributed teams

Ability to interface successfully with customers

Additional Desired Skills

Experience managing teams of various sizes

Experience managing cost and schedule for projects of various sizes

Knowledge or DoD processes and terminology. Experience with B-52 modeling is a plus.

Knowledge of requirements for DOD Level C and Level D software

This is a contingent role, based on AMA receiving the work.

US citizenship or Permanent Residency is required.

Salary range: $150k-$280k DOE

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.

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