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Aerodynamics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kindredventures

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130 - $200/hr

As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will generate and database the aerodynamic characteristics of our vehicles across the full flight envelope, aggregating data from high-fidelity CFD, lower-order ...

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Inversion

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$137K - $193K/yr

As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will generate and database the aerodynamic characteristics of our vehicles across the full flight envelope, aggregating data from high-fidelity CFD, lower-order ...

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Guide and mentor responsible hardware engineers to ensure hardware meets aerodynamics and system-level requirements * Mature Relativity's tools for developing and communicating aerodynamics data ...

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How much do aerodynamics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerodynamics engineer in the United States is $94,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $98,500.00 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 the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Aerodynamics Engineer, Modeling and Optimization

Archer

San Jose, CA

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

What you'll do:

  • Perform low/mid/high fidelity aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft
  • Develop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelope
  • Analyze experimental data (either from flight test or wind tunnel) to identify sources of model errors, validate, and improve aerodynamic models of the vehicle
  • Develop efficient methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic simulation models of various fidelity and complexity
  • Contribute to the development of Archer aerodynamic software stack, improving methods and workflows
  • Coordinate with other cross-functional teams and pilots for flight simulator aerodynamic modeling updates and issue resolution

What you need:

  • BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
  • 2+ years of experience with BS, or 1+ years of experience with MS, or 1+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full-vehicle level
  • Strong understanding of fundamentals of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & control
  • Experience in eVTOL and/or multicopter vehicle aerodynamics design and analysis, including 6 DoF vehicle trimming and trajectory optimization
  • Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniques
  • Experience with surrogate modeling techniques (like Kriging methods) and statistical analysis
  • Experience with experimental data processing and reduction techniques
  • Proficiency in Python programming
  • Experience with software development, object-oriented, version control best practices, as well as Git, CICD, Conda
  • Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
  • Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in groups and individually
  • Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Experience with developing, training, and optimizing neural networks or other machine learning models in the context of aerodynamic modeling
  • Experience with wind tunnel and flight test campaigns planning, execution, and data processing, ideally matured on rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL program
  • Work experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools, such as RCAS or CAMRAD2
  • Work experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software, including meshing
  • Experience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflows
  • Familiarity with conventional airplane Part 23/25 or rotorcraft Part 27/29 certification basis and test methods
  • Familiarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraft
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, and Fortran/C++ coding
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $140,000 - $190,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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