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Applied Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Furientis

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105.89K - $189.55K/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 ...

Zipline

Head of Aero

South San Francisco, CA

... 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:

Zipline

Head of Aero

San Francisco, CA

... 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:

Wisk

Senior Staff Aerodynamics Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$193K - $241K/yr

The goal of an Aerodynamics Engineer at Wisk is to ensure that our vehicle performs as safely and ... You have applied knowledge of blade-resolved, time-accurate CFD codes * Highly experienced with ...

PACCAR

Aerodynamic Engineer

Denton, TX

... to external aerodynamics, internal fluid dynamics, heat transfer, particle tracking, and ... Strong background in Applied CFD methods * Experience utilizing PTC Creo * Proficiency with MS Word ...

PACCAR

Aerodynamic Engineer

Denton, TX · On-site

... to external aerodynamics, internal fluid dynamics, heat transfer, particle tracking, and ... Strong background in Applied CFD methods * Experience utilizing PTC Creo * Proficiency with MS Word ...

PACCAR

Aerodynamic Engineer

Denton, TX · On-site

... to external aerodynamics, internal fluid dynamics, heat transfer, particle tracking, and ... Strong background in Applied CFD methods * Experience utilizing PTC Creo * Proficiency with MS Word ...

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · On-site

$105.89K - $189.55K/yr

Demonstrated applied experience using high-fidelity Navier-Stokes CFD solvers for aircraft aerodynamics * Experience running CFD simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) clusters * Strong ...

SaraTech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Waco, TX

$85 - $90/hr

Strong understanding of Applied Aerodynamics theory and numerical methods. Requirements: * Must be a U.S. Citizen. * Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance. * Willingness to ...

Saratech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

China Spring, TX · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Strong understanding of Applied Aerodynamics theory and numerical methods. Requirements: * Must be a U.S. Citizen. * Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance. * Willingness to ...

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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 May 29, 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.

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 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 is applied aerodynamics?

Applied aerodynamics is the study and practical application of how air moves around objects, particularly vehicles like airplanes, cars, and rockets. Professionals in this field use principles of fluid dynamics to design and optimize the shapes, surfaces, and control systems of these vehicles to improve performance, efficiency, and safety. Applied aerodynamics blends theoretical analysis, experimental testing, and computer simulations to solve real-world engineering challenges. This field is crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In applied aerodynamics, senior roles such as aerospace engineering managers, chief engineers, or specialized research directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in the aerospace industry. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and expertise in computational fluid dynamics, simulation tools, and project management.

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.

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What job categories do people searching Applied Aerodynamics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Aerodynamics jobs are:
Applied Aerodynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Aerodynamics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer

Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer

Natilus

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.
By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation
Work Summary:
Natilus is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will conduct CFD analysis and support low- and high-speed wind tunnel testing. You will help lead aerodynamic optimization, vehicle design decisions, and performance prediction across the Natilus family of aircraft.
Main Responsibilities:
  • Set up and perform component and vehicle level CFD analyses.
  • Author and release analysis reports.
  • Planning, support, and execution of wind tunnel tests.
  • Planning and support of aerodynamic design optimization studies.
  • Perform comparative analyses of predicted aerodynamics with experimental and/or flight test data.
  • Lead method and tool development and enhancement activities.
  • Manage large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization with minimal oversight or direction.
  • 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 work experience
  • Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering or equivalent work experience
  • Experience performing aerodynamic analysis using CFD methods
  • Proficiency with CFD tools (e.g., Fun3D, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar)
  • Experience with low-speed and/or high-speed wind tunnel testing, including test planning and data reduction
  • Understanding of aerodynamic theory, including subsonic and transonic flows
  • Experience with aerodynamic optimization and design trade studies
  • Ability to support vehicle performance prediction and design decision-making
  • Familiarity with aircraft or vehicle configuration development and integration
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills
  • Understanding of Part 23 requirements

Core Behaviors:
  • Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
  • Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
  • Lead by example and model expected behaviors
  • Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities

Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
Retirement Plan - 401k
Unlimited PTO
Onsite Gym Access
Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Please note: Recruiters will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information during the application phase
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About Natilus

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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