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Aerodynamics Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Experience with aircraft design and aerodynamic/performance analyses across the speed range from subsonic to hypersonic, is highly desired. As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Aero Performance Engineer in the San Diego (Poway, CA) area ... Responsibilities include conceptual sizing and preliminary design, aerodynamic and performance ...

Lucid Motors

Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Southfield, MI

$95K - $131K/yr

You will join our Aerodynamics team to contribute to the aerodynamic performance development of our ... engineers, and working with suppliers Qualifications: * 5 + years of related experience with a ...

Lucid Motors

Sr. Engineer, Aerodynamics

Newark, CA

$140K - $192K/yr

You will join our Aerodynamics team to contribute to the aerodynamic performance development of our ... engineers, and working with suppliers Qualifications: * 5 + years of related experience with a ...

Atlas Copco

Aerodynamics Specialist

Voorheesville, NY · On-site

$128K - $150K/yr

Your role As a Aerodynamics Specialist, your mission is to lead the aerodynamic design and ... performance and design. * Mentor and support development of engineering team members.

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Aerodynamics Performance Engineer information

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$11

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$98

How much do aerodynamics performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerodynamics performance engineer in the United States is $60.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.28 and $68.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Aerodynamics Performance Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering teams during a vehicle development project?

Aerodynamics Performance Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design, structural, and manufacturing engineers, to optimize vehicle performance. They often participate in regular meetings to present aerodynamic data and propose design modifications based on wind tunnel or CFD analysis. Effective communication is essential, as their recommendations directly influence the work of other teams, such as adjusting body shapes or integrating cooling systems. This collaborative environment helps ensure that aerodynamic improvements align with overall project goals and manufacturing feasibility.

What is the difference between Aerodynamics Performance Engineer vs Aerodynamics Engineer?

AspectAerodynamics Performance EngineerAerodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering; CFD certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering; CFD experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, wind tunnels, computational simulationsDesign labs, wind tunnels, computational simulations
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, motorsport industriesAutomotive, aerospace, motorsport industries
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on performance optimization and testingBroader aerodynamics design and analysis

In summary, an Aerodynamics Performance Engineer specializes in optimizing and testing aerodynamic performance, often with a focus on testing and validation. An Aerodynamics Engineer has a broader role in designing and analyzing aerodynamic systems. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas within aerodynamics.

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

To thrive as an Aerodynamics Performance Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, physics, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities make individuals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing and optimizing aerodynamic performance, directly impacting vehicle efficiency, safety, and innovation.

What does an Aerodynamics Performance Engineer do?

An Aerodynamics Performance Engineer specializes in analyzing and optimizing the airflow around vehicles, such as airplanes, cars, or rockets, to enhance their performance, efficiency, and safety. They use computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel testing, and data analysis to evaluate how design changes affect aerodynamic properties like drag and lift. Their work helps improve fuel efficiency, stability, and overall performance. These engineers collaborate closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams to ensure that aerodynamic considerations are integrated throughout the development process.
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Aerodynamics Performance Engineer jobs near you
Aerodynamics Engineer, Hypersonic Air Vehicles

Aerodynamics Engineer, Hypersonic Air Vehicles

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design aerodynamics of unmanned air vehicles and missiles at various design maturities.

  • Perform aerodynamics, stability and control, aerothermodynamic, and trajectory analyses of flight vehicles using a range of methods.

  • Plan, execute, and analyze wind tunnel and flight tests for air vehicles.

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 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 hypersonic 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

  • Aerodynamics design of unmanned air vehicles/missiles at conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design maturities
  • Aerodynamics analysis of unmanned air vehicles, using both low and high order methods, including analysis tool development and improvement as needed
  • Stability and control analysis
  • Trajectory optimization for performance analysis, vehicle conceptual trades, and sensitivities
  • Aerothermodynamic analysis of flight vehicles in high-speed environments
  • 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
  • Experience with a variety of aerodynamic analysis techniques including hand calculations, lower-order codes, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • 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
  • Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • StarCCM+ experience
  • Experience evaluating external aerodynamics characteristics of a vehicle in the supersonic or hypersonic flow regime
  • Experience with aerothermal analysis
  • Experience leveraging trajectory optimization software for performance analysis, vehicle conceptual trades, and/or sensitivities
  • Knowledge of high-speed aerodynamic laminar, transitional, and turbulent simulation techniques
  • Experience with chemical kinetics modeling and simulation
  • Experience with combustion computational fluid dynamics and a foundational understanding of compressible flow
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance
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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