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Graduate Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

... graduate lecture-based courses and/or undergraduate laboratory courses related to Motorsports Engineering, such as vehicle powertrain, design, manufacturing, aerodynamics, and related areas. The ...

CUPE_Fall-2026_TA MCG4345a

Campus, IL · On-site

$31.89 - $50.25/hr

AERODYNAMICS Course Code: MCG4345 Section: A00 Supervisor name (if known): Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD ... Undergraduate students will be paid at the lower rate; while graduate students will be paid at the ...

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Graduate Aerodynamics information

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$77K

$94.2K

$121K

How much do graduate aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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.

How much does an aerodynamicist make?

An aerodynamicist's salary varies by experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and a relevant engineering degree are common requirements.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced aerospace engineers, including senior roles in aerospace companies or defense contractors, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities in specialized fields like aerodynamics or propulsion systems.

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 degree do you need to be an aerodynamicist?

To become an aerodynamicist, a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required, with many roles preferring a master's or doctoral degree for advanced research or specialized positions. Strong skills in physics, mathematics, and computational tools are also important for success in this field.
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System Engineer US Citizenship required

Science Referral Network

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description

About Science Referral Network

We maintain a global network of well connected professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics who are interested in working with us to help organizations recruit and hire the right technical talent for even the most specialized of tasks. Our network consists of both subject matter experts in a wide variety of technical areas and senior leaders at some of the world's most innovative, cutting edge organizations. We employ a system of strategic research and confidential targeted crowdsourcing throughout this network to help our clients identify and hire the talent they need.

Much more than just a database, we are continually working to strengthen all of the individual connections that make up our network. We strive to develop mutually beneficial, trusting relationships by actively engaging with our network members. This creates the confidence and collaboration that is necessary for our continued success. We believe that our integrity is our greatest asset and we value people over process. We are steadfast in our commitment to the highest ethical principles in all of our business dealings and endeavor to add value in any way we can.

Job Description

We have a PERM position in sunny Tucson, AZ, McKinney, TX, or Huntsville, AL for a System Engineer. There are several positions available at all levels. The job description is below. If you are still available please send an updated resume, your salary requirements, date of availability, and your citizenship status. If you're not available please feel free to pass the information on to your colleagues.

(***OUR CLIENT CANNOT ACCEPT H1B, H2B, F1, TN1 VISAS OR GREEN CARD CANDIDATES***). We cannot work with outside parties or do C2C.

Thank you!

Dee Smith

The Guidance, Navigation and Control Center (GNC) is responsible for all requirements, trade studies, algorithm designs and performance analyses required to develop RMS products that navigate and guide successfully. The Center's scope includes aerodynamic analysis, wind tunnel testing and model development: flight control system design and analysis; servo and control actuation system design and analysis; strap down and GPS aided navigation system design and analysis; target state estimation, midcourse and terminal guidance design optimization as well as system performance analysis.

Job Description:

The Senior Systems Engineer I is responsible for conducting missile guidance, navigation, air vehicle, control system, embedded software and missile performance analysis. Missile guidance tasks include guidance law development, state estimation, sensor fusion, trajectory shaping and miss distance performance optimization. Air vehicle design tasks include aerodynamics/stability & control, kinematic and propulsion system trade studies including computational fluid dynamics analysis, wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic model development. Navigation tasks include system trade studies, component modeling of inertial measurement units (IMU) and global positioning systems (GPS), as well as simulation of navigation algorithms particularly Kalman filters. Control system tasks include autopilot, control actuation system, mechanism and gimbaled seeker servo design. Embedded software includes real-time GNC algorithm development for missile system products. Missile performance analysis includes model development, system optimization and Monte Carlo assessments with expected system disturbances.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

Development of Missile Guidance Algorithms

Coding of Missile Guidance Algorithms in Higher Order Computer Languages

Development of Aerodynamic Models to include support to Wind Tunnel testing

Development of Simulation Kinematics Models

Analysis of Missile performance both in simulation and flight test 

Qualifications

Required Skills:

Strong graduate level* academic and analytical background with course work and independent research that includes a combination of digital and modern control systems, dynamics, Kalman filter design, aerodynamic, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis or signal processing. *Please submit your most recent transcripts when you apply

Four (4) years of combined academic and applied experience with Matlab, C, C++, Object Oriented design

Past use or familiarity with UNIX and LINUX operating systems as well as Microsoft products.

Other Requirements:

Must have an existing or the ability to obtain a Department of Defense issued Secret Security clearance.

Must be willing to relocate to Tucson, AZ (comprehensive relocation package available)

Desired Skills:

Knowledge of system engineering design methods including requirements analysis and flowdown, specification derivation and interface control documentation

Research related to Non-GPS navigation technologies including terrain aiding, celestial / star tracker, magnetometer, bathymetric, laser, or vision / imaging sensors

Airborne RADAR systems including RF signal processing and tracking algorithms

Autopilot design including linear systems, nonlinear systems, adaptive control, Lyaponov theory, robust control, and sliding mode control

Performance analysis by simulation including verification and validation techniques

Optimal guidance theory, trajectory shaping, estimation theory, analysis of random processes, non-linear Kalman filters, particle filters

Knowledge of inertial navigation and vehicle state estimation algorithms including Kalman filtering for integration of GPS/GNSS receivers with MEMs inertial measurement units.

Research and publications focused on the design and performance analysis of hypersonic vehicles including aerodynamics and propulsion systems of the vehicle

Experience (2-4 years) estimating kinematic performance of hypersonic vehicles using tools such as NASA's OTIS tools

Experience (2-4 years) in the design of control systems/architectures for hypersonic vehicles

Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision

Ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership and other engineering disciplines. 

(***OUR CLIENT CANNOT ACCEPT H1B, H2B, F1, TN1 VISAS OR GREEN CARD CANDIDATES***). We cannot work with outside parties or do C2C.

ABOUT OUR CLIENT: 

14,000 employees 

Headquartered in Tucson, Ariz. 

World's largest developer, producer and integrator of weapon systems More than 1.5 million missiles produced since 1954 

Broad weapons portfolio 

Missiles 

Smart munitions 

Projectiles 

Kinetic kill vehicles 

Directed energy weapons 

Mounted reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition

Customers: All U.S. military services; allied forces of more than 50 countries 

Science Referral Network 

Dee Smith 

Sourcing Specialist 

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.