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Graduate Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109.90K - $150.90K/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 - $181.50K/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 - $181.50K/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 ...

L3HHCM20

$102K - $189K/yr

This role requires strong understanding of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, and bearing ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

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$77K

$94.2K

$121K

How much do graduate aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 does a Graduate Aerodynamicist 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Sr Aerodynamics Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$109.90K - $150.90K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About the Team:  

Relativity's Integrated Performance teams ensure that our products work across all systems and disciplines, from trajectory design to aerodynamics to reliability analysis and beyond. Our groups size the Terran R rocket, design its missions for customer success, reliability, and reusability, and ensure that every system on the rocket and ground is engineered correctly for the demanding environments of launch and entry. Recently, we completed the preliminary design and analysis of Terran R including Relativity's first-ever work on launch vehicle reusability, spanning advanced trajectory simulations, wind tunnel testing, and structures analysis, among many other projects.

About the Role: 

  • Develop and execute CFD analyses to solve novel challenges in vehicle entry stability and control 
  • Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight
  • Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification from CFD, wind tunnel, and empirical data sources
  • Drive the design of major Terran R system elements - like fins, flaps, and primary structure - to meet criteria for control, stability, heating, and pressure
  • Guide and mentor responsible hardware engineers to ensure hardware meets aerodynamics and system-level requirements  
  • Mature Relativity's tools for developing and communicating aerodynamics data, including custom and commercial code, databases, and data processing tools 

To be successful in this role, you should be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to contribute significantly to a fast-paced, integrated vehicle program. You should also be able to resolve ambiguity and drive projects to completion. Ideally, you have significant compressible flow, CFD, and high-performance computing (HPC) experience, as well as a proven track record for completing projects successfully in a highly collaborative environment. 

On a weekly basis, you will be performing analysis, developing software tools, and supporting design teams. You will also use your strong organizational skills to properly manage the documentation and communication of your actions, recommendations, and decisions.

About You:  

  • Undergraduate degree in engineering or related field
  • 5+ years relevant experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in compressible flow, preferably on entry vehicles
  • Experience architecting and executing CFD workflows for external flow, preferably including engine plume simulation
  • Experience solving cross-disciplinary design problems on integrated vehicles
  • Proficiency in Python and industry-standard CFD tools like FUN3D or Star-CCM+, including use of HPC clusters 

Nice to Haves, but Not Required:  

  • Graduate degree in engineering or related field
  • 10+ years relevant experience across 2 or more program lifecycles
  • Experience with database design and analysis using standard tools like FUN3D or Loci/CHEM
  • Experience supporting hardware teams, driving the conops and configuration
  • Experience with instrumentation, wind tunnel and flight testing, validation and verification 

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