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Aerodynamics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clutch Canada

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114.75 - $140.25/hr

As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aerodynamic solutions, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency during high-speed flight. Join ...

New

Hermeus

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aerodynamic solutions, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency during high-speed flight. Join ...

Hermeus

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aerodynamic solutions, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency during high-speed flight. Join ...

Hermeus Corporation

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91.80 - $140.25/hr

As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aerodynamic solutions, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency during high-speed flight. Join ...

Hermeus

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $140K/yr

As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aerodynamic solutions, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency during high-speed flight. Join ...

Archer

Aerodynamics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

... Engineering or a related field * 10+ years of experience with BS, or 8+ years of experience with MS, or 4+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full ...

Archer

Aerodynamics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

... Engineering or a related field * 10+ years of experience with BS, or 8+ years of experience with MS, or 4+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full ...

Wing

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$122K - $168K/yr

Wing is looking for a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team-an interdisciplinary team whose mission is to develop innovative and efficient aircraft and ground support ...

Furientis

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related. M.S. or Ph.D. preferred. * 7+ years of missile, munition, or high-speed airframe aerodynamics, with ...

Furientis

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related. M.S. or Ph.D. preferred. * 7+ years of missile, munition, or high-speed airframe aerodynamics, with ...

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All JobsAerodynamics Engineer JobsAerodynamics Engineer Jobs in California

Aerodynamics Engineer information

See California salary details

$76K

$92.9K

$119.4K

How much do aerodynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerodynamics engineer in California is $92,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerodynamics engineer do?

To achieve flight, heavier-than-air objects like planes or rockets must conform to certain principles of aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the study of the motion of air and its interaction with solid objects. An aerodynamics engineer tests aerospace designs, such as aircraft bodies and propulsion systems to ensure they meet all aerodynamic specifications and conform to the physical laws of aerodynamics. Your duties and responsibilities include designing mathematical models and simulations to test designs before firms construct prototypes or full products. You also work to improve the efficiency of existing designs.

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

To thrive as an Aerodynamics Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, computational modeling, and a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with tools like CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM), wind tunnel testing, and experience with CAD systems are typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in cross-functional teamwork and innovative design. These skills and qualities are vital for optimizing designs, ensuring safety, and advancing aerodynamic performance in various industries.

What are some common challenges aerodynamics engineers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Aerodynamics Engineers often work closely with professionals from structural engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration. One common challenge is balancing aerodynamic performance with structural and cost constraints, which requires clear communication and compromise. Additionally, integrating feedback from different teams while ensuring that aerodynamic goals are met can be complex and requires strong project management skills. Regular meetings and effective use of simulation tools help streamline the collaboration process.

What is the difference between Aerodynamics Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerodynamics EngineerAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, wind tunnels, simulation software, aircraft or vehicle testing sitesDesign, development, testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems
Industry UsagePrimarily in aeronautics, automotive, and defense sectors focusing on airflow and performanceBroader aerospace sector including aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and defense systems

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in related environments, Aerodynamics Engineers focus specifically on airflow and performance optimization, whereas Aerospace Engineers have a broader scope including design and development of entire aerospace systems.

How much do aerodynamics engineers make?

Aerodynamics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those working in aerospace or defense industries can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and proficiency with simulation tools can also influence compensation.
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Aerodynamics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerodynamics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,928 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Aerodynamics Engineer

Clutch Canada

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$114.75 - $140.25/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine aerodynamic designs for supersonic to hypersonic vehicles.

  • Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and analyses to assess aerodynamic performance and behavior.

  • Design, optimize, and evaluate vehicle configurations for high-speed flight and hypersonic travel.

Job description

Hermeus is an aerospace and defense technology company founded to radically accelerate air travel by delivering hypersonic aircraft. The company aims to develop hypersonic aircraft quickly and cost-effectively by integrating hardware-rich, iterative development with modern computing and autonomy. This approach has been validated through design, build, and test of the company’s first combined turbojet-ramjet engine and is now being scaled through its first flight vehicle program, Quarterhorse. Hermeus is also developing Darkhorse — an uncrewed hypersonic aircraft designed to deliver unique asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter.

We are seeking an exceptional Aerodynamics Engineer to contribute to the design and analysis of our high super sonic vehicles. As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the development of advanced aerodynamic solutions, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency during high-speed flight. Join our dynamic team and be part of the journey to create groundbreaking aerospace solutions at an iterative pace not seen since the 60's.


Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine aerodynamic designs for supersonic to hypersonic vehicles.
  • Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and analyses to assess aerodynamic performance and behavior.
  • Design, optimize, and evaluate vehicle configurations for high-speed flight and hypersonic travel.
  • Contribute to wind tunnel testing and experimental data analysis to validate CFD predictions.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of innovative aerodynamic solutions.
  • Work closely with other engineering disciplines to ensure integrated vehicle design and performance.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in aerodynamics and aerospace engineering.
  • Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and tools.
  • Strong understanding of aerodynamics principles and concepts.
  • 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 and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Knowledge of wind tunnel testing and experimental data analysis.
  • Previous experience in experimental programs.

$114,750 - $140,250 a year The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer. Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more! 100% employer-paid health care 401k & Retirement Plans Unlimited PTO Weekly Paid Office Lunches End of Year Bonuses Fully stocked breakrooms Stock Options Paid Parental Leave

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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