ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Applied Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer V

Poway, CA · 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 ...

General Atomics

Engineer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/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

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 travel and work ...

SaraTech

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Waco, 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 ...

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 ...

Saratech

$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, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Waco, 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 ...

NORTH WIND SYSTEMS LLC

Aero/Thermal Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Applied R Test Articles and Critical System Components; Test Facility Design & Build; Test Services ... Perform aerodynamic field surveys of existing facilities and prepare and perform commissioning and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsApplied Aerodynamics Jobs

Applied Aerodynamics information

See salary details

$77K

$94.2K

$121K

How much do applied aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an applied aerodynamics engineer?

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.

More about Applied Aerodynamics jobs
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Engineer V

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Aero Performance Engineer in the San Diego (Poway, CA) area. In this position, you will play an active role in the design and development of cutting-edge next generation unmanned aircraft platforms. Responsibilities include conceptual sizing and preliminary design, aerodynamic and performance modeling, wind tunnel test planning, execution, and data reduction, and ground and flight testing of prototype vehicles. This position offers competitive benefits, including 9/80 work schedule, medical, dental, employer-matched 401(k), pension plan, employee referral program, and more.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support all phases of aircraft design, including conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design.
  • Take part in wind tunnel and flight test planning, execution, and post-test analysis.
  • Conduct trade studies and carry out sensitivity analyses to inform high-level engineering design decisions.
  • Predict and validate aircraft performance by developing and maintaining analytical Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools.
  • Generate high-fidelity 6DOF aerodynamic databases from wind tunnel and CFD data.
  • Collaborate among peers, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, to solve unique and complex engineering challenges.
  • Participate in internal and customer-facing design reviews, test readiness reviews, flight briefings, and technical meetings.
  • Contribute to a broad swath of novel aircraft platforms ranging from Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS) to Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Completion of relevant coursework in the areas of low- and high-speed aerodynamics, air-breathing propulsion, and aircraft performance analysis.
  • Advanced MATLAB programming experience is required, including the ability to interpret and extend upon in-house, peer-developed, codes.
  • Ability and willingness to operate with relative autonomy; proactively collaborating with other disciplines and seeking out help when appropriate.
  • Effective at communicating complex engineering concepts both verbally and in writing.
  • Understands engineering concepts, principles, and theory; and has experience demonstrating the application of those concepts.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance is required.
  • Ability to work on-site during normal business hours for indeterminate periods of time as dictated by program security requirements.
DESIRED SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Familiarity with Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization (MDAO), Design of Experiments (DoE), and surrogate modeling techniques.
  • 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 applied statistics and aerodynamic uncertainty quantification, with experience using Gaussian process regression, surrogate modeling, and/or sensitivity analysis to support 6-DOF aerodynamic modeling, performance prediction, and Monte Carlo analysis. Experience with wind tunnel data uncertainty analysis preferred.
  • Familiarity with Python, Java, or C/C++ programming languages.
  • Foundational understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles
  • Contributed to internally developed engineering analysis tools and software.
  • Exposure to adjacent technical areas, including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), and/or aircraft structures.
  • Familiarity with implementation of thrust-drag bookkeeping and force-moment accounting methodologies.
  • Active DoD Secret, or higher, security clearance

What General Atomics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

General Atomics logo

About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

View All General Atomics Jobs

Apply