Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer (R5732)

What you'll do

• Develop performance, endurance, weight-and-balance, aerodynamic, and propulsion models; validate them against flight data.
• Collaborate across design, propulsion, guidance and controls, and go-to-market teams to assess design and payload configurations.
• Plan flight tests, analyze test data and performance anomalies, and refine operational envelopes and specifications.

What they ask for

• B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical field).
• 5+ years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Understanding of fixed-wing flight dynamics, aircraft performance, and aerodynamic/propulsion fundamentals; experience developing or maintaining aircraft weight and CG models.
• Proficiency analyzing large data sets to define operational envelope requirements and validate models (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent); ability to work cross-functionally and communicate technical findings.

Nice to have

• Full lifecycle product experience, direct fixed-wing UAS/UAV or autonomous aircraft experience, or experience building or tuning aero and engine models for GNC systems.
• Hands-on flight test experience; familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, XFLR5, AVL, or comparable tools; understanding of relevant airworthiness, safety, or defense acquisition standards.

Pay

USD 115,000–175,000 per-year-salary; base salary

Tools

Python, MATLAB, MATLAB/Simulink, XFLR5, AVL

AI focus

Supports autonomous flight software and the autonomy stack through aircraft performance and aero-propulsion models.