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Senior Aerodynamics Engineer - Design the Next Generation of Advanced Aircraft

San Diego, California | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a fast-growing aerospace company developing next-generation aircraft designed to significantly improve efficiency, payload capability, and mission flexibility across commercial and defense applications. By combining innovative aircraft design with advanced engineering tools, the team is creating a new class of aircraft that challenges conventional aerospace design while remaining practical to manufacture, certify, and operate. As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will own critical aerodynamic analyses that influence aircraft configuration, performance, and overall vehicle development. Working closely with structures, propulsion, flight sciences, systems, and test engineering teams, you'll leverage computational analysis, wind tunnel testing, and performance modeling to guide major design decisions from early concept development through flight test validation.

About Us

We are a venture-backed aerospace company developing advanced aircraft platforms for commercial and government customers. Our multidisciplinary engineering team is focused on designing highly efficient aircraft that solve challenging transportation and mission requirements through innovative engineering and rigorous technical execution. As the company grows, you'll have the opportunity to help shape both the product and the engineering organization.

Job Duties

• Own aerodynamic analysis supporting aircraft development from concept design through flight test validation
• Perform component and full-aircraft Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses across multiple flight conditions
• Develop aerodynamic models that support aircraft performance prediction and design optimization
• Plan, coordinate, and support low-speed and high-speed wind tunnel testing activities
• Compare CFD predictions with wind tunnel and flight test data to improve model accuracy
• Conduct aerodynamic trade studies that influence aircraft configuration and system integration
• Develop technical reports documenting analysis methods, assumptions, and engineering conclusions
• Improve internal CFD methodologies, aerodynamic analysis tools, and engineering workflows
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve complex aerodynamic challenges
• Lead technically significant aerodynamic projects with minimal oversight

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 6+ years of professional experience in aerodynamic analysis or aircraft development
• Strong understanding of applied aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics
• Experience performing CFD analysis using industry-standard software
• Proficiency with tools such as STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Fun3D, or comparable CFD platforms
• Experience planning, supporting, or executing wind tunnel testing
• Strong understanding of subsonic and transonic aerodynamic principles
• Experience performing aerodynamic trade studies and vehicle performance analyses
• Ability to evaluate computational, experimental, and flight test data to support engineering decisions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills
• Familiarity with aircraft configuration development and multidisciplinary design integration
• Working knowledge of FAA Part 23 certification requirements

Preferred Experience

• Experience correlating CFD predictions with experimental or flight test data
• Background developing or improving aerodynamic analysis methods and engineering tools
• Experience supporting clean-sheet aircraft development programs
• Familiarity with multidisciplinary aircraft design and optimization
• Experience working in a fast-paced aerospace startup or advanced aircraft development environment

Why Join Us

• Help develop an entirely new generation of advanced aircraft
• Own meaningful technical work with direct influence on aircraft performance and design
• Collaborate with a highly experienced multidisciplinary engineering team
• Gain exposure across vehicle design, testing, and certification activities
• Receive meaningful equity and the opportunity to grow alongside a rapidly expanding aerospace company
• Build technology that has a lasting impact on the future of aviation

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $180,000

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