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Graduate Aerodynamics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

... Aerodynamics. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and advancing new ... graduate or undergraduate students Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Electra Aero Co-op

Manassas, VA · On-site

$5.2K - $6.1K/mo

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program in an applicable engineering ... Familiarity with flight test data analysis, aerodynamic/propulsion system evaluation. * Experience ...

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Graduate Aerodynamics information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Aerodynamics jobs in Virginia?

For Graduate Aerodynamics jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Aerodynamics jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Aerodynamics jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Aerodynamics jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Aerodynamics job openings:

Graduate Aerodynamics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Aerodynamics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Technical Manager (Fluid Dynamics)

Jonathan Lee Recruitment

Bristol, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Technical Manager – Defence - Bristol

We are working on behalf of a successful defence development, engineering and manufacturing company who are seeking a Technical Manager to support their Structural and Fluid Dynamics capability across the company.

Office based in Bristol and with hybrid working, the successful candidate will join the senior management team and will be responsible for the development and management of the Structural and Fluid Dynamics capability, ensuring that the team has the right technical capabilities and tools and processes in place to meet the various project requirements, both now and in the future. The Technical Manager is the focal point for technical excellence, resource planning for the capability and ensuring continuous improvement within the domain.

The Structural and Fluid dynamics group provides detailed analysis for loads and flight physics projects covering:

  • Flight loads
  • Ground loads
  • Aeroelastics
  • Vibration
  • Test support

The group also contains the CFD capability, which conducts analysis for:

  • External aerodynamic flow for support to new aircraft and aircraft modifications
  • Internal aerodynamic flows
  • Hydraulic flow for the support in the design of hydraulic equipment
  • Thermal analysis
  • Acoustics

The modelling toolsets that are currently used by the group include:

  • Matlab
  • Nastran
  • Ansys Fluent

As Technical Manager you should have industrial experience in some of these above areas and a good appreciation and understanding of the others. You will also be expected to balance hands-on technical work and leadership together with the management activities of capability development, resource planning and line management.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the Structural and Fluid Dynamics capability, including day to day management and longer-term strategy. This is a varied role covering the below areas:

Technical

  • Provide technical leadership or support on projects where required
  • Ensure appropriate technical support is available for customer interactions, either through team members or personal involvement
  • Manage external suppliers within the technical area, including tendering and quality audits
  • Facilitate the team’s ability to deliver by ensuring the right people, tools, and processes are in place
  • Act as the focal point for tools within the technical area
  • Evaluate current toolsets and identify needs for new tools or upgrades, developing business cases where new tools are required and leading their implementation
  • Ensure tools are used effectively to support delivery and innovation

Process

  • Allocation of the Structural and Fluid Dynamics team members in line with the project requirements
  • Define and manage annual budget needs for internal development of capabilities and processes in line with company objectives
  • Support business development activities
  • Contribute to project proposals and bids, including technical solutions and estimated quantity of work
  • Hold technical checks and/or approvals for the capability area in line with the delegated authority
  • Act as the process owner for the technical domain, identifying missing or outdated processes and leading updates
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and push for process change where needed
  • Own and manage bench tasks to support capability development and delivery readiness
  • Collaborate with other Technical Managers to ensure cross-functional alignment and consistency
  • Support the capability team members to ensure that they have continued development in line with the individual's and company's needs

Qualifications:

Educated to degree level (or equivalent) - post-graduate qualification to a Master’s degree or Doctorate in a relevant specialisation (desirable)

Membership of an Engineering Body (desirable)

Chartered Engineer Status (desirable)

Due to security restrictions on some of their projects, the successful candidate must be eligible to obtain SC (UK nationals or existing SC holders only).

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.