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Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs in California

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $187K/yr

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Predict and validate aircraft performance by developing and maintaining analytical Modeling and ... May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. * Completion of relevant ...

Natilus

Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally ... Natilus is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In ...

Natilus

Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally ... Natilus is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In ...

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Aircraft Performance Engineer information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$79.7K

$117.4K

How much do aircraft performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft performance engineer in California is $79,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Aircraft Performance Engineers in their daily work?

Aircraft Performance Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing competing performance requirements, analyzing vast amounts of flight test and simulation data, and meeting strict regulatory and safety standards. The role requires troubleshooting performance issues that may arise during the aircraft design, testing, or operational phases, often working closely with design, flight test, and certification teams to resolve complex problems. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and staying updated with the latest industry regulations are ongoing aspects of the job. Overcoming these challenges successfully is crucial for developing safe, reliable, and high-performing aircraft.

What does an Aircraft Performance Engineer do?

An Aircraft Performance Engineer is responsible for analyzing and optimizing an aircraft's performance characteristics, such as takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing. They use aerodynamic principles, simulation tools, and regulatory guidelines to ensure the aircraft meets efficiency, safety, and operational requirements. Their work influences fuel consumption, payload capacity, and regulatory compliance. They collaborate with design teams, pilots, and airline operators to enhance aircraft performance under various flight conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aircraft Performance Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Performance Engineer, you need a solid understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, and a related engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, Python, and specialized aerodynamic analysis tools, as well as knowledge of regulatory standards like FAA or EASA guidelines, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate performance calculations, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration of aircraft systems, directly contributing to safe and efficient aircraft operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California? For Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings:
Aircraft Performance Engineer jobs near you
Performance Engineer

Performance Engineer

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
About The Role:
In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and optimizing aircraft and propulsion system performance across the full flight envelope. This position requires strong expertise in gas turbine engine cycles, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics to support aircraft development, certification, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform thermodynamic cycle analysis of turbofan engines, evaluating thrust, TSFC, efficiency, operability margins, and performance across the flight envelope.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain propulsion system performance models to support aircraft integration, certification, and customer deliverables.
  • Generate aircraft and engine performance data for flight manuals, flight computers, and executive-level program assessments.
  • Conduct runway and mission performance analyses
  • Support engine-airframe integration efforts, including takeoff thrust optimization and safety-focused performance methodologies.
  • Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion robustness, operability, and early design maturity.
  • Contribute to advanced combustion and fluid dynamics modeling efforts
  • Support experimental testing efforts including aeroacoustics, flow visualization (Schlieren), wind tunnel testing, and telemetry data analysis.
  • Play a key role within our HEAT (High-Enthalpy Airflow Test) facility, including sizing, analyzing, and optimizing this world-class test infrastructure.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • Strong foundation in thermodynamics, compressible flow, gas turbine engine cycles, and aerodynamics.
  • Experience with propulsion performance modeling and aircraft performance analysis
  • Proficiency in MATLAB and Python
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret and validate complex engineering data sets.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with focus on propulsion, aerothermodynamics, or combustion.
  • Experience supporting turbofan engine development programs
  • Background in CFD, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), or reduced-order modeling techniques.
  • Exposure to experimental aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, or high-speed flow diagnostics.
  • Strong systems-level thinking with attention to both detailed analysis and program-level impacts.
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical initiatives or cross-functional collaboration.

$91,800 - $187,450 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.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, generous 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 breakroomsr
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 by22 C.F.R. § 120.62or 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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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