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Aerodynamics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Furientis

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

Lockheed Martin Corporation

... engineering technologists and algorithm developers supporting various contracts and IRADs within Missiles and Fire Control. The GNC Aerodynamics Engineer tasks include: Design, integrate, and test of ...

Goken

Aerodynamics Engineer - Air Vehicles

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$70 - $78/hr

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio (USA) with Engineering Centers in Pune, India and Yokohama, Japan ... Aerodynamics Engineer will own the full development lifecycle, from conceptual design to flight ...

Wisk

Senior Staff Aerodynamics Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$193K - $241K/yr

The goal of an Aerodynamics Engineer at Wisk is to ensure that our vehicle performs as safely and ... Requirements * BS, MS, or PhD in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or related fields * Requires a ...

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification ... Undergraduate degree in engineering or related field * 5+ years relevant experience * Demonstrated ...

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$77K

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$121K

How much do aerodynamics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerodynamics engineering 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 is the difference between Aerodynamics Engineering vs Aerospace Engineering?

AspectAerodynamics EngineeringAerospace Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aircraft design firms, automotive companiesAircraft manufacturers, space agencies, defense contractors
Industry UsageFocuses on airflow, lift, drag, and fluid dynamics for vehiclesEncompasses design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft

While Aerodynamics Engineering specializes in airflow and fluid dynamics for vehicles, Aerospace Engineering covers a broader scope including aircraft and spacecraft design, development, and testing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but Aerospace Engineering involves additional aspects like propulsion and space systems.

What are some common challenges faced by aerodynamics engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerodynamics engineers often collaborate closely with specialists in structures, materials, propulsion, and systems integration. A common challenge is effectively communicating highly technical aerodynamic concepts to team members from different disciplines, ensuring that design decisions align with overall project requirements. Balancing trade-offs between aerodynamic performance and other factors like weight, manufacturability, and cost also requires strong teamwork and problem-solving skills. Successful aerodynamics engineers are proactive in fostering open communication and are adaptable when priorities shift during the design and testing phases.

What do aerodynamic engineers do?

Aerodynamic engineers analyze and optimize the airflow around objects such as aircraft, vehicles, or turbines to improve performance and efficiency. They use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and wind tunnel testing to develop designs that reduce drag and enhance stability, often working in aerospace, automotive, or energy industries.

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 a strong background in fluid dynamics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and familiarity with CAD tools are commonly required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable engineers to optimize designs for performance and safety while collaborating efficiently in multidisciplinary environments.

What does an aerodynamics engineer do?

An aerodynamics engineer studies how air interacts with solid objects, such as aircraft, vehicles, and buildings, to improve their performance and efficiency. They use principles of fluid dynamics to analyze, design, and test components that affect airflow, such as wings, spoilers, and body shapes. Their work helps reduce drag, increase lift, and enhance fuel efficiency, often using wind tunnel testing and computer simulations. Aerodynamics engineers play a crucial role in industries like aerospace, automotive, and sports engineering.
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Infographic showing various Aerodynamics Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Stores Aerodynamics

Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Stores Aerodynamics

Northrop Grumman Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is hiring an Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical to join our Vehicle Engineering organization of qualified, diverse individuals in El Segundo, CA or Melbourne, FL.
We are seeking an experienced aerodynamics engineer to join our team in analyzing next-generation aerodynamic stores integration and Air Vehicle aerodynamics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerodynamics and a passion for developing innovative solutions to improve flight performance.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform aerodynamic characterization efforts utilizing analytical methods
  • Perform analytical stores trajectory and separation analyses
  • Provide technical analysis data for data reports and other Airworthiness artifacts required to support flight clearances and certification
  • Support execution of wind tunnel test events including two-body separation testss
  • Support ground and flight test events, acquisition and analysis of test data
  • General frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and advanced techniques
  • Demonstrates the skill and ability to perform complex professional tasks
  • Innovates solutions to a variety of technical challenges of increasing scope and complexity
  • Work closely with other disciplines including Configuration, Aerodynamics, S&RE, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Mechanisms, etc.
  • Utilize excellent communication skills to report program milestones, technical approaches, and findings to leads, program management, and customer

This role can be filled as an Engineer (level 2) or Principal Engineer (level 3) depending on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Basic qualifications for an Engineer Aeronautical include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with no years of experience.
  • Basic qualifications for a Principal Engineer Aeronautical include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD Degree with no experience.
  • Knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamics
  • Experience with using aerodynamic tools and techniques
  • Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data
  • Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to the commencement of employment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree discipline in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering with concentration in aerodynamics
  • Experience with generating aerodynamic databases for 6-DOF simulation
  • Experience in conducting 6-DOF stores trajectory and separation analyses
  • Experience with onsite support of wind tunnel testing and data acquisition systems
  • Experience in supporting ground and flight test events and analyzing collected data
  • Experience with DOD safety board processes for store separation
  • Fortran, C/C++ and/or Python programming skills
  • Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, and being accountable

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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