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Hypersonic Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91.80 - $140.25/hr

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine aerodynamic designs for supersonic to hypersonic vehicles. * Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and analyses to ...

Aerodynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $140K/yr

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine aerodynamic designs for supersonic to hypersonic vehicles. * Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and analyses to ...

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine aerodynamic designs for supersonic to hypersonic vehicles. * Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and analyses to ...

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine aerodynamic designs for supersonic to hypersonic vehicles. * Conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and analyses to ...

These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds ... As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will generate and database the aerodynamic characteristics ...

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$137K - $193K/yr

These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds ... As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will generate and database the aerodynamic characteristics ...

Senior Aerothermal Analysis Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

Strong understanding of hypersonic aerodynamics, boundary layer physics, and convective and radiative heat transfer. * Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain aeroheating databases with defined ...

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Hypersonic Aerodynamics information

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How much do hypersonic aerodynamics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for hypersonic aerodynamics in the United States is $49.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.50 and $56.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hypersonic aerodynamics?

Hypersonic aerodynamics is the study of how air and other gases behave around objects moving at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5+). At these speeds, unique phenomena such as extreme heating, strong shock waves, and chemical changes in the air occur, requiring specialized knowledge and technology. This field is crucial for designing vehicles like re-entry spacecraft, hypersonic missiles, and advanced aircraft that must safely and efficiently operate in these extreme conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hypersonic aerodynamics engineer?

To thrive as a Hypersonic Aerodynamics Engineer, you need a strong background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and advanced mathematics, typically supported by a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and relevant simulation tools is essential, and certifications in aerospace engineering can be beneficial. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for success in this field. These skills are important to ensure the safe and efficient design, analysis, and testing of high-speed vehicles operating in extreme aerodynamic environments.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals working in hypersonic aerodynamics, and how do teams typically address them?

Professionals in hypersonic aerodynamics often encounter challenges such as accurately predicting complex flow behaviors at extremely high speeds, managing thermal loads, and validating computational models with limited experimental data. Teams typically address these challenges by collaborating closely with experts in materials science, computational fluid dynamics, and experimental testing. Cross-disciplinary teamwork and ongoing communication are essential, as is staying current with the latest research and simulation technologies. This collaborative approach helps to innovate solutions and ensure the reliability and safety of hypersonic systems.

What is the difference between Hypersonic Aerodynamics vs Aerodynamics Engineer?

AspectHypersonic AerodynamicsAerodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, specialized training in hypersonic flowBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace companies focusing on high-speed flightAircraft design firms, automotive, or aerospace industries
Industry UsageHypersonic vehicles, space re-entry, missile technologyAircraft, automotive, wind tunnel testing

Hypersonic Aerodynamics focuses on high-speed airflow above Mach 5, involving complex physics and specialized testing. Aerodynamics Engineers work across a broader range of speeds and vehicle types, applying fundamental principles of airflow to optimize designs. While both roles require aerospace engineering knowledge, Hypersonic Aerodynamics is more specialized in high-speed, high-temperature environments.

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What cities are hiring for Hypersonic Aerodynamics jobs?

Cities with the most Hypersonic Aerodynamics job openings:

What states have the most Hypersonic Aerodynamics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hypersonic Aerodynamics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hypersonic Aerodynamics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,816 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Aeronautical Engineer - Hypersonic Aerodynamics

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 393 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description


Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
In this role you will be supporting Aerodynamics analysis team as an Aeronautical Engineer - Hypersonic Aerodynamics where you will work on the development of a sophisticated state-of-the-art aerodynamics product in a world class Integrated Product Development environment.
As an Aero Engineer you will integrate all flight regimes including hypersonic.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Assist the program with proposal preparedness and execution activities
Performing a variety of aerodynamics analyses related to rocket systems with a particular emphasis on hypersonics and high altitude rarefied gas environments possibly including plume analysis.
Creating technical memos.
Providing input to data packages to support peer and customer reviews.
Presenting analysis results to internal engineering teams, customer technical representatives, and Program Office personnel during technical exchange meetings.
Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package.
Basic Qualifications
Knowledge of aerodynamic forces and moments.
Knowledge of hypersonics and high altitude rarefied gas environments possibly including plume analysis.
Familiarity with creating technical memos.
Presenting analysis results.
Active or Current Top Secret Clearance needed to start and preferably previous Special Access Program experience; ship Required
Desired skills
Bachelors degree in Physics, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and/or equivalent education and experience
Hypersonic Aero/Thermal experience
DSMC analysis
Plume analysis
CFD Meshing - Pointwise preferred
CFD experience - Fluent, GASP, Cart3D, CBAERO, Star-CCM+ preferred
CFD Post-processing
Large dataset post-processing experience
Software development / programming experience (Fortran, C, Python, Matlab, etc)
Integrated system level modeling and simulation
Linux experience
MS Office experience
#SpaceFlightScience
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $104,500 - $184,115. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $120,100 - $208,150. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912