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Graduate Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $150K/yr

Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification ... Graduate degree in engineering or related field * 10+ years relevant experience across 2 or more ...

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$132K - $198K/yr

Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification ... Graduate degree in engineering or related field * 10+ years relevant experience across 2 or more ...

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$132K - $198K/yr

Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification ... Graduate degree in engineering or related field * 10+ years relevant experience across 2 or more ...

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How much do graduate aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 does a graduate aerodynamics engineer do?

A Graduate Aerodynamicist is an entry-level engineer who applies principles of aerodynamics to design, analyze, and improve the performance of vehicles or aircraft. Their work typically involves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and wind tunnel testing to optimize shapes for reduced drag and increased efficiency. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering problems and contribute to the development of new technologies in the aerospace, automotive, or motorsport industries. This role often requires strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in fluid mechanics and mathematics.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can a graduate aerodynamics engineer expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, you'll typically be involved in supporting wind tunnel testing, analyzing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data, and assisting with the design and optimization of aerodynamic components. You'll often work closely with senior engineers, design teams, and sometimes manufacturing, collaborating to ensure aerodynamic performance goals are met. Early on, you may rotate between different projects or departments to gain a broad understanding of the company's processes and technologies. This exposure helps build foundational skills and can lead to more specialized roles as you progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate aerodynamics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, mathematics, and engineering principles, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and present technical findings clearly. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient aerodynamic solutions and contributing to innovative engineering advancements.

What is the difference between Graduate Aerodynamics vs Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

AspectGraduate AerodynamicsGraduate Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering with focus on aerodynamicsDegree in Mechanical Engineering, often with specialization in design, thermodynamics, or materials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace companies, or simulation centersManufacturing plants, design firms, or R&D departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, aviation, and defense sectorsBroad industry sectors including automotive, energy, and manufacturing

Graduate Aerodynamics and Graduate Mechanical Engineer roles share foundational engineering skills but differ in focus. Aerodynamics specialists concentrate on airflow, fluid dynamics, and aircraft performance, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope including mechanics, materials, and systems design. Both roles are common entry points in engineering careers, often requiring similar educational backgrounds, but their industry applications and daily tasks vary significantly.

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Graduate Aerodynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Aerodynamics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Turbomachinery Aerodynamics

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Southwest Research Institute
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Southwest Research Instituteexternal

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Re-posted yesterday

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Turbomachinery Aerodynamics

18-01636

Who We Are:

The Aero Thermal Modeling and Testing subsection within the Rotating Machinery Development (RMD) section of the Machinery Department is focused on aerodynamic, heat transfer, thermal-fluid, and technoeconomic analyses together with the development of demonstration testing facilities for advanced power systems, long duration energy storage applications, and industrial decarbonization technologies.

Objectives of this Role:
  • Perform aerodynamic design (1D sizing, 3D blade definition, optimization), analysis (CFD), and review of compressor and turbine components for machinery developed by clients and the RMD section.
  • Conduct test programs centered around compressor and turbine aerodynamics including instrumentation planning, thermodynamic and mechanical test facility design, and data processing.
  • Be a solution-oriented problem solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in determining approaches to solve a wide range of technical problems with moderate supervision.
  • Write technical reports, papers, and proposals and prepare technical presentations for projects, client meetings and conferences.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Use engineering software (Fluent, CFX, aero design software) to conduct machinery flowpath development and analysis.
  • Provide analytical or experimental support to multiple projects in a team environment, which can include literature reviews, data collection, test design, developing computational simulations, deriving first-principles or correlative-based solutions to problems.
  • Collaborate with a team of engineers with technical specialties in rotordynamics, mechanical design, thermal management, controls, and more to solve problems for a wide range of technical applications.
  • Interpret and present simulation results to project team and clients in a concise and clear way. Interrogate results for reliability and provide troubleshooting support for tests and simulations with a firm understanding of theories and concepts using a first-principles approach.
  • Disseminate data and results in writing and oral presentation to clients, at conferences, and in other professional settings.
Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
  • 0-2 years: Experience in aerodynamic design, development, analysis, and testing of turbine and/or compressor components.
  • Those with graduate degrees should have academic experience in the design, development, analysis, and testing of radial and axial turbomachinery components.
  • Must be able to learn new technical skills to complete project work and develop custom tools to assist the team in future turbomachinery development work.
  • Strong communication skills, successfully demonstrated in a team setting and ability to creatively solve problems as a team.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.
Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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