Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The Director – AD&D Aircraft Concepts is a dynamic engineering leader responsible for aircraft concepts within the Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) organization. This position leads a small team in the design, analysis, build, and test of aircraft, major modifications, and emerging powerplants and mechanical systems by rapidly iterating to evaluate feasibility, performance, and future product potential. This requires strong technical expertise in aircraft design, aerodynamics, performance, structures, and systems integration, as well as the ability to make timely decisions in a fast-paced development environment. This position serves as a key leader for early-stage product exploration within AD&D.

The ideal candidate is someone who loves flying, intuitively understands what makes a good airplane, is drawn to creatively solving hard problems, and is motivated to make things real.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Develop, lead, and manage a small team of multidisciplinary engineers.
• Lead aircraft conceptual design, aircraft modification designs, and new powerplants and mechanical systems evaluations.
• Execute aircraft sizing studies, mission definition, performance analyses, and range/payload optimization.
• Execute airframe design including configuration layout, structural design, materials, weight estimation, and manufacturability considerations.
• Execute powerplant and mechanical system design including installation geometry, cooling, airflow management, routing, vibration, and system integration.
• Conduct weight, cost, and reliability assessments for feasibility and down select decisions.
• Execute the design, build, and test of wind tunnel models and first-flight-ready proof of concept aircraft.
• Collaborate and coordinate closely with other teams, including but not Advanced Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Experimental Manufacturing, Flight Test, Customer Experience, and Platform Leadership Teams.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, risks, findings, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Provide product strategy and guidance, including input on technical and product road maps, marketing requirements and objectives, and design requirements and objectives
• Complete assigned tasks on time and budget.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years direct management experience leading teams of 10 or more engineering staff.
• 10+ years of experience in aircraft design, build, and test.
• Pilot certificate (private or higher preferred).
• Hands-on experience working on multiple aircraft (building, testing, maintaining, etc.).
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, propulsion/powerplants, and flight control systems.
• Strong understanding of prototype fabrication methods and early flight test processes.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and ability to read and interpret CFD results and aircraft performance reports.
• Proven ability to lead early-phase development from clean-sheet concepts through prototype build and testing.
• Ability to make rapid, sound engineering decisions with limited data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, guidance materials, and safety of flight and airworthiness requirements and processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building homebuilt, experimental, or one-off prototype aircraft.
• Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel tests and analyzing aerodynamic data.
• Experience supporting flight-test operations or performing flight-test engineering tasks.
• Experience with advanced propulsion concepts and unconventional powerplant installations.
• Experience with complex requirements sets, system development assurance processes, and system safety analysis methods.
• Proficiency with PTC CREO/Windchill, MathWorks tools (e.g., Matlab, Simulink), Atlassian tools (e.g., Jira), and programming languages (e.g., Python or C++).
• Experience performing multidisciplinary trade studies and influencing configuration downselect decisions.
• Familiarity with FAA certification frameworks (Part 23, Part 27, ACs, and industry consensus standards).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Builds Effective Teams
• Communicates Effectively
• Plans and Aligns
• Manages Complexity

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 200 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.