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Applied Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Strong understanding of Applied Aerodynamics theory is required. * Strong understanding of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical methods. Requirements * A minimum of 7 years of directly related ...

Strong understanding of Applied Aerodynamics theory is required. * Strong understanding of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical methods. Requirements * A minimum of 7 years of directly related ...

About the Applied Aerodynamics Team Without the Aerodynamics team, the Zipline drones would not fly! This team is responsible for the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft, from high-level ...

... applied aerodynamics; aircraft performance; stability & control; external loads; aeroelasticity & flutter; aeroacoustics; and wind tunnel testing. This role is responsible for integrating flight ...

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 ...

... of applied aerodynamics, aircraft design and aeroacoustics. What You'll Do You will be responsible for leading and developing the team that counts the following among its core deliverables:

Engineer V

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Applied experience using aerodynamic and aircraft design and analysis tools such as AVL, XFOIL, MSES, OpenVSP, OpenMDAO, SUAVE, RDS, Aviary, NASTRAN, LEAPS, FLOPS, and/or other * Strong background in ...

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Applied Aerodynamics information

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$77K

$94.2K

$121K

How much do applied aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied aerodynamics 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.

How much does aerodynamics pay?

Salaries for applied aerodynamics professionals vary based on experience, education, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $60,000 to $80,000 annually. Experienced engineers or researchers in the field can earn over $100,000 per year, especially with advanced skills in computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in applied aerodynamics when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Professionals in applied aerodynamics often collaborate closely with structural engineers, propulsion specialists, and manufacturing teams. One common challenge is balancing aerodynamic performance with structural integrity and manufacturability, which may require compromise and creative problem-solving. Effective communication is crucial, as differing technical languages and priorities can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Staying adaptable and open to feedback from other disciplines helps ensure that the final design meets both performance and practical requirements.

What can you do with an aerodynamics degree?

An applied aerodynamics degree prepares individuals for careers in aerospace engineering, aircraft design, and research related to fluid dynamics. Graduates can work in industries such as aviation, defense, and renewable energy, often utilizing skills in computational modeling, wind tunnel testing, and simulation tools. Certification and strong analytical skills are valuable for advancement in these fields.

What is applied aerodynamics?

Applied aerodynamics is the field within aerospace engineering that focuses on the practical use of aerodynamic principles to design and optimize aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. It involves analyzing airflow, lift, drag, and stability to improve performance and safety, often using computational tools and wind tunnel testing. Professionals in this field work to solve real-world aerodynamic challenges in various transportation and defense applications.

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

To thrive as an Applied Aerodynamics Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid dynamics, aerospace engineering, and mathematics, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and CAD tools is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate effectively and present complex findings. These skills are crucial for optimizing aircraft performance, ensuring safety, and advancing innovative aerodynamic solutions.

What is the difference between Applied Aerodynamics vs Aeronautical Engineer?

AspectApplied AerodynamicsAeronautical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related fieldsRequires a degree in aerospace engineering or similar, often with specialization in aerodynamics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, testing facilities, simulation centersDesign offices, manufacturing plants, testing facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on analyzing and improving aerodynamic performanceDesigns and develops aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems

Applied Aerodynamics primarily involves analyzing and optimizing airflow around objects, often through simulations and testing. Aeronautical Engineers have a broader role in designing entire aircraft and systems, with aerodynamics being a key component. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate within the aerospace industry.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers specializing in applied aerodynamics can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership roles. High compensation is often associated with work in the aerospace industry, aerospace consulting, or executive positions in engineering firms.
More about Applied Aerodynamics jobs
Member/Senior Aerospace Engineer - Applied Aerodynamics, Onsite

Member/Senior Aerospace Engineer - Applied Aerodynamics, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$117K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking highly qualified, self-directed, results focused aeronautical and aerospace engineers who have strong interpersonal skills to support lab-wide efforts focusing on the application of aerodynamic and flight mechanics models for design and analysis of hypersonic reentry systems, atmospheric flight vehicles, and rocket systems.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Work as a member of high-performing, passionate, multi-disciplinary teams
  • Support the design, development, and flight test of advanced aerospace flight systems including advanced hypersonic flight vehicles, reentry bodies, and rocket systems
  • Develop multi-fidelity aerodynamic and flight performance models using analytic/computational aerodynamic methods/tools, and wind tunnel testing
  • Conduct detailed aerodynamic characteristics analyses including vehicle performance, stability, and control
  • Create and optimize 3DOF/6DOF trajectory simulations of complex multi-body flight systems for performance analysis and mission requirement verification/development
  • Create system models and apply multi-disciplinary design and optimization methods/tools for conceptual design trade space analysis

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Relocation provided for those who qualify.
Salary Range
$117,500 - $235,700
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoE Q clearance.

Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E Aerospace Engineer candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
  • Graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Experience in applied aerodynamics, flight mechanics, or trajectory simulation with application to the design, modeling, simulation, optimization, and analysis of aerospace flight systems.
  • Experience with the capabilities, use, and application of MATLABยฎ, Simulinkยฎ, Python, C/C++, or other modern programming languages and repositories in technical analysis/computing and software development.
  • Proven ability to work and communicate effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced/schedule driven environment

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
  • Experience in the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aerothermal/ablation and material thermal response tools, or closely related tools for the analysis of hypersonics, reentry, or related flight systems
  • Experience in developing and deploying multi-fidelity aerodynamic and flight performance models in multi-disciplinary design, optimization, and 3DOF/6DOF trajectory simulation environments
  • Experience in high performance computing and technical software development

About Our Team
The Applied Aerodynamics Department provides applied aerodynamics and flight dynamics analysis, trajectory simulations, range safety analysis, range operations support, and mechanical design for a wide range of flight systems that fly in the subsonic through hypersonic regimes. The Department also explores advanced concepts for new military and non-military applications of flight systems. Our staff members are integral flight test project team members active in all aspects of vehicle design, mission planning, and post-test analysis. Our primary mission supports U.S. Department of Energy defense programs, and aerospace flight systems projects funded through the U.S. Department of War, DARPA, NASA, and industry.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.