Aerodynamicist

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic analysis and design efforts for air-breathing and solid rockets missile platforms across relevant flight regimes, selecting and applying first-principles reasoning, computational tools, and empirical…
• Own aerodynamic trade studies to optimize vehicle performance (drag, stability, control, efficiency), assess design sensitivities, and recommend geometry changes aligned with mission-level requirements.
• Contribute to vehicle-level configuration development, ensuring aerodynamic concepts are integrated effectively with propulsion, structures, and systems from early design through refinement.
• Plan and support wind tunnel and flight test campaigns, lead aerodynamic data reduction and interpretation, and drive design updates based on validated results.

Job requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in aerodynamic simulation tools and techniques at multiple fidelity levels, such as Missile Datcom, Xfoil, OpenVSP, Cart3D, and/or STAR-CCM+.
• 2+ years working with missiles or closely related vehicles.
• Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and aerodynamic principles, with experience optimizing vehicle performance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• 8+ years experience of hands-on experience with missile systems, UAS, or high-speed aircraft.
• Familiarity with startup or defense sector environments.
• Experience developing aerodynamic solutions for scalable, production-ready systems.