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Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs in California

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Aircraft Performance Engineer information

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$47.9K

$79.7K

$117.4K

How much do aircraft performance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 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
Infographic showing various Aircraft Performance Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,731 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Approach Venture LLC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer - Design the Next Generation of Advanced Aircraft
San Diego, California | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a fast-growing aerospace company developing next-generation aircraft designed to significantly improve efficiency, payload capability, and mission flexibility across commercial and defense applications. By combining innovative aircraft design with advanced engineering tools, the team is creating a new class of aircraft that challenges conventional aerospace design while remaining practical to manufacture, certify, and operate. As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will own critical aerodynamic analyses that influence aircraft configuration, performance, and overall vehicle development. Working closely with structures, propulsion, flight sciences, systems, and test engineering teams, you'll leverage computational analysis, wind tunnel testing, and performance modeling to guide major design decisions from early concept development through flight test validation.
About Us
We are a venture-backed aerospace company developing advanced aircraft platforms for commercial and government customers. Our multidisciplinary engineering team is focused on designing highly efficient aircraft that solve challenging transportation and mission requirements through innovative engineering and rigorous technical execution. As the company grows, you'll have the opportunity to help shape both the product and the engineering organization.
Job Duties
  • Own aerodynamic analysis supporting aircraft development from concept design through flight test validation
  • Perform component and full-aircraft Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses across multiple flight conditions
  • Develop aerodynamic models that support aircraft performance prediction and design optimization
  • Plan, coordinate, and support low-speed and high-speed wind tunnel testing activities
  • Compare CFD predictions with wind tunnel and flight test data to improve model accuracy
  • Conduct aerodynamic trade studies that influence aircraft configuration and system integration
  • Develop technical reports documenting analysis methods, assumptions, and engineering conclusions
  • Improve internal CFD methodologies, aerodynamic analysis tools, and engineering workflows
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve complex aerodynamic challenges
  • Lead technically significant aerodynamic projects with minimal oversight

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • 6+ years of professional experience in aerodynamic analysis or aircraft development
  • Strong understanding of applied aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics
  • Experience performing CFD analysis using industry-standard software
  • Proficiency with tools such as STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Fun3D, or comparable CFD platforms
  • Experience planning, supporting, or executing wind tunnel testing
  • Strong understanding of subsonic and transonic aerodynamic principles
  • Experience performing aerodynamic trade studies and vehicle performance analyses
  • Ability to evaluate computational, experimental, and flight test data to support engineering decisions
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills
  • Familiarity with aircraft configuration development and multidisciplinary design integration
  • Working knowledge of FAA Part 23 certification requirements

Preferred Experience
  • Experience correlating CFD predictions with experimental or flight test data
  • Background developing or improving aerodynamic analysis methods and engineering tools
  • Experience supporting clean-sheet aircraft development programs
  • Familiarity with multidisciplinary aircraft design and optimization
  • Experience working in a fast-paced aerospace startup or advanced aircraft development environment

Why Join Us
  • Help develop an entirely new generation of advanced aircraft
  • Own meaningful technical work with direct influence on aircraft performance and design
  • Collaborate with a highly experienced multidisciplinary engineering team
  • Gain exposure across vehicle design, testing, and certification activities
  • Receive meaningful equity and the opportunity to grow alongside a rapidly expanding aerospace company
  • Build technology that has a lasting impact on the future of aviation

Compensation Details
$150,000 - $180,000
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