AERODYNAMICIST JOB DESCRIPTION

An Aerodynamicist who leaves a design review without hard data on subsonic-to-supersonic flow behavior leaves the program team flying blind. This role owns the analytical and experimental work that converts an airframe concept into a verified, performance-characterized design, work governed by FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, and MilSpec standards, depending on the platform. It sits within a flight sciences or aerodynamics group and answers directly to a chief or principal engineer. The hardest part is not running the CFD; it is knowing which result to trust and communicating that judgment clearly enough that structures, GN&C, and systems teams can act on it.

As the Aerodynamicist, you own the generation, validation, and maintenance of aerodynamic databases and performance models that underpin every downstream decision in the vehicle development program. You work within a multidisciplinary team spanning controls, structures, and flight test, with scope extending from early concept analysis through certification and sustaining engineering.

Career Impact: Deep ownership of stability and control analysis and aerodynamic database generation within FAA-regulated or MilSpec-governed programs is one of the most defensible technical credentials in the aerospace job market.

Business Impact: The aerodynamic performance models this role produces directly determine whether a vehicle clears its handling qualities requirements and receives program go-ahead for the next phase.

Growth Opportunity: Progressing from aerodynamic analysis contributor to principal or chief aerodynamicist, the titles that appear as reporting lines across these programs are the natural trajectory, with each additional flight regime mastered expanding the candidate's scope and market value.

• Design and validate aerodynamic databases for stability and control, loads, and lift-and-drag datasets, including definition of tolerances and uncertainty bounds.
• Conduct CFD analyses and wind tunnel testing to characterize vehicle performance across subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flight regimes.
• Develop low- and high-fidelity analytical models of vehicle subsystems to support trade studies and design decisions.
• Plan and execute flight test and ground test programs, including instrumentation planning, data reduction, and post-test reporting.
• Collaborate with structures, GN&C, and systems engineering teams to ensure aerodynamic requirements are correctly applied and design conflicts resolved.
• Perform fluid, thermal, and heat transfer analyses for aerospace applications to verify that thermodynamic requirements are met.
• Build and maintain aerodynamic tools and automated analysis workflows that improve program cycle time and analytical repeatability.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and contribute to disciplinary standards, best practices, and process improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of aerodynamic analysis and testing experience, with demonstrated work on at least one flight vehicle program.
• Proven ability to generate and validate aerodynamic databases using both computational and experimental methods.
• Strong fundamentals across multiple flight regimes, including subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow physics.
• Experience in planning and supporting wind tunnel and flight test programs, including data reduction and results documentation.
• Competency in scientific scripting or programming for data processing, model development, and analysis automation.
• Ability to communicate complex aerodynamic findings clearly to cross-functional engineering stakeholders and program leadership.
• Familiarity with applicable aerospace standards and regulatory frameworks governing performance and handling qualities.

• Graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field, with thesis work in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, or computational fluid dynamics.
• Experience with aerothermodynamic environments and multi-phase or multi-species CFD applicable to hypersonic or reentry vehicle programs.
• Background in stability and control parameter identification, 6-DOF vehicle dynamics modeling, or aerodynamic derivative database development.
• Prior work supporting FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, or MilSpec compliance activities on a certified or fielded aerospace program.

• Aerodynamic database completeness and tolerance closure rate, reflecting how fully the vehicle envelope is characterized before each program gate.
• CFD-to-wind-tunnel correlation error, measuring the fidelity of computational predictions against physical test results.
• Flight test data reduction cycle time, tracking how quickly post-flight aerodynamic results are processed and distributed to the program team.
• Number of open aerodynamic requirement discrepancies at each design review, reflecting alignment between analysis outputs and vehicle specifications.
• Stability and control margin compliance rate across the certified flight envelope, measuring whether handling qualities targets are met without waiver.
• Typical tools: CFD solvers (commonly STAR-CCM+, Fluent, or OpenFOAM); scripting environments (commonly MATLAB or Python); CAD surfacing (commonly CATIA or NX).

• Base Salary Range: $95,000 to $145,000 annually, depending on seniority and program scope
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 12% of base salary
• Equity: Offered at some employers, particularly space-launch and defense startups; less common at large OEMs
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-sponsored premiums standard
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus federal holidays
• Common Perks: Relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, clearance sponsorship, where applicable

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check, and some positions may require the ability to obtain a US security clearance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Applied Aerodynamicist owns the full aerodynamic design lifecycle from concept through production, conducting clean-sheet design analysis, generating aerodynamic databases, and driving vehicle performance forward using analytical, simulation, and experimental tools. Working closely with mechanical designers, controls engineers, systems engineers, and test engineers, this role delivers cross-functional design solutions that advance aircraft readiness and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct clean-sheet and existing vehicle design analysis, including aerodynamic, propulsion, and power system performance.
• Develop low- and high-fidelity analytical models of vehicle subsystems.
• Generate and analyze aerodynamic databases.
• Conduct multivariate trade studies on system design and present results.
• Plan, execute, and analyze flight tests.
• Support a multidisciplinary team of controls, mechanical, production, software, and electrical engineers to tackle design challenges and resolve time-sensitive issues.

Required Qualifications

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: vehicle configuration design and analysis, propeller design, aerodynamic database generation, complex geometry aerodynamic design and analysis, or aeroacoustics.
• Proficiency with low- and high-fidelity aerodynamic modeling codes, such as XFOIL, MSES, AVL, ASWING, XROTOR, BEMT, XFLR5, RCAS, or OpenVSP.
• Proficiency with continuum- or lattice Boltzmann-based CFD solvers, such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, or PowerFLOW.
• Experience with wind tunnel test identification, planning, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis using electro-mechanical and optical diagnostic techniques.
• Experience with flight test planning for system identification and simulation validation, cross-functional planning, test execution, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Julia, or C/C++.
• Proficiency with CAD advanced surfacing tools, such as CATIA or NX.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations.
• Familiarity with autopilot and flight control design is desirable.

Embedded within a small team of analysts, the Aerodynamicist 3 uses CFD software to characterize the aerodynamic performance of new guided munitions and high-speed projectile designs across subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow regimes. Working closely with cross-functional engineering groups, this role delivers wind tunnel and flight test programs that verify model accuracy and ensure conformance with functional specifications and customer requirements.

Core Functions

• Work with a small team of analysts using CFD software to characterize the aerodynamic performance of new product designs.
• Define and conduct aerodynamic test programs, including wind tunnel and flight test programs.
• Verify conformance with functional specifications and customer requirements.
• Analyze, design, and develop guided munition prototypes that meet stability and control requirements.
• Verify the accuracy of models using wind tunnel test results for subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flows.
• Prepare presentations for initial, preliminary, and critical design reviews.
• Write technical reports to document work.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering or Physics; a Master's degree or higher is preferred.
• At least 5 years of related experience, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry; an advanced degree may substitute for some experience.
• Experience developing new flight systems that satisfy detailed performance requirements.
• Proficiency with STAR-CCM+, Fluent, or equivalent CFD software.
• Proficiency with general-purpose modeling codes such as MATLAB and Simulink.
• Familiarity with semi-empirical analysis codes such as PRODAS, Missile DATCOM, and MissileLab.
• Understanding of engineering drawing practices, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel, Project, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to organize work across multiple projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels.

Reporting to senior engineering leadership, the Senior Aerodynamicist leads the aerodynamic development process from concept definition through testing and analysis, implementing key tools and processes to ensure operational excellence. Partnering with a team of engineers, this role coordinates project management, evaluates new technologies, and delivers aerodynamic outcomes to time, cost, and quality objectives.

Primary Duties

• Deliver aerodynamic development work to time, cost, quality, and functional objectives.
• Act as a lead change agent and channel resources effectively.
• Propose solutions in response to assessment requests, addressing technical risks and challenges.
• Coordinate the management of projects to ensure delivery on time and within budget.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve products and services.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerodynamics Engineering.
• Proven track record as a team leader, achieving performance targets.
• Experience running wind tunnel testing programs.
• Technical understanding of CFD and wind tunnel test techniques.
• Strong IT proficiency, including CFD and 3D CAD software.
• Ability to resolve complex challenges in a high-pressure environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills.

Sitting at the intersection of aerodynamics and spacecraft flight sciences, the Aerodynamicist advances engineering for suborbital spaceplanes and mothership vehicles, including SpaceShipTwo and Eve, leading stability and control analysis, envelope design, and flight test support across all mission phases. Operating across internal and external engineering groups, this role provides technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to the Aerodynamics Team to ensure regulatory compliance and continual improvement in performance and handling qualities.

Duties

• Design and substantiate operational flight envelopes.
• Substantiate vehicle performance and handling qualities.
• Characterize vehicle aerodynamic environments.
• Support pre-flight preparation, including review of test limitations, flight test plans and procedures, flight readiness reviews, mission control room support, and post-flight analysis.
• Work with internal and external engineering groups to ensure proper application of design requirements.
• Support entry into commercial service by ensuring that regulatory and internal requirements related to performance, handling qualities, and general airworthiness are met.
• Develop standardized analysis and reporting tools.
• Perform model updates from data collected during vehicle or component testing and from analytical tools.
• Develop and maintain aerodynamic tools, simulation capabilities, and test databases representing all mission phases.
• Develop and improve standards, processes, and best practices.
• Develop technical roadmaps, concepts, and approaches that establish strategic direction.
• Lead projects, peers, and cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and manage risk.
• Act as a mentor and coach, supporting individuals and teams in their professional development.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent, with a minimum of 15 years of related experience.
• Deep understanding of subsonic, transonic, and supersonic aircraft aerodynamics.
• Deep understanding of aircraft stability and control methods and tools, including vehicle dynamics 6-DOF modeling, parameter identification, and aerodynamic derivative database development.
• Experience in planning, executing, and supporting ground and flight test campaigns specific to stability and control, and overall vehicle flight dynamics evaluation.
• Verifiable track record as a stability and control subject matter expert on one or more notable aerospace vehicle programs.
• Working knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft systems.
• Familiarity with relevant aerospace standards and handling qualities rating systems, including FAA, FAA-AST, NASA, and MilSpec.
• Strong ability to work on system tasks and communicate with multiple interfaces, with a proven ability to lead technical work in environments with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent proactive communication skills, including oral, written, and presentation, as well as interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Advanced programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C, C++, and Fortran.
• Experience with computational physics codes, including CFD and FEA.
• Strong desire and ability to mentor and lead talent development.
• Lecturing experience in stability and control or vehicle dynamics methods, experience in mission control and console development, including IADS, and experience in other flight sciences disciplines are all a plus.

A key member of the Flight Sciences Experimental Group, the Aerodynamicist leads experimental aerodynamics studies, conducts detailed aerodynamics trades and analyses, and delivers novel solutions to complex air vehicle design problems with limited guidance. Collaborating across software and hardware engineering teams and the broader Prime Air organization, this role shapes scientific strategy and provides the aerodynamic understanding that enables teams to complete interdisciplinary design work.

Functions

• Lead experimental aerodynamics studies, including setting priorities for test direction, design of experiments, and data analysis.
• Develop physics models based on experimental and computational data.
• Deliver novel solutions to aerodynamics problems with limited guidance.
• Influence scientific strategy across multiple teams to complete complex interdisciplinary design trades for air vehicle components.
• Weigh aerodynamics and aircraft performance objectives against key priorities such as thermal, mass, and structural constraints.
• Provide rigorous theory and analysis, informed by data, to support air vehicle design changes.
• Develop models and correction formulae for aerodynamics data collected in wind tunnel tests, including aerodynamic modeling to account for test article installation, mounting tares, deformation corrections, and reduction routines for data from newly introduced sensors.
• Make relevant comparisons between observed results and published reference data.
• Communicate ideas effectively and harmonize discordant views within the team.
• Collaborate with software and hardware engineers to translate complex analysis objectives into actionable engineering projects.
• Deliver scientific reports and strategic documents to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor others in aerodynamics and fluids, and provide engineers with the additional scientific understanding needed to complete their work.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerodynamics.
• Master's or PhD in Aerodynamics preferred.
• At least 5 years of work experience in wind tunnel testing.
• At least 1 year of leadership experience.
• Hands-on experience developing wind tunnel experiments, processing raw data into meaningful aerodynamic performance metrics, and reporting results to scientific and business-oriented audiences.
• Experience designing powered and unpowered wind tunnel models for low-speed wind tunnel tests.
• Experience with low-speed wind tunnel tests.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clarity on complex aerodynamic and vehicle trades and focus others on the right questions.
• Proficiency with a scientific scripting language such as Python, Julia, R, or MATLAB.
• Experience with Agile development practices.

Delivering race-winning aerodynamic performance depends on the Aerodynamicist, who joins GM Motorsports' multi-disciplined team to test, develop, and optimize the aerodynamic performance of a complete NASCAR race vehicle, including planning and executing wind tunnel tests and performing correlational analysis of CFD results. Based within the Charlotte Technical Center and serving as a direct liaison to GM Key Partner race teams, this role provides concrete aerodynamic data and direction that improves weekend racing performance.

Accountabilities

• Estimate drag, lift, and other aerodynamic characteristics.
• Interface and collaborate with race teams and engineering groups, specifically virtual design, development, and validation groups.
• Provide direction and concrete data to race teams to improve weekend performance.
• Support full car and subsystem models for use in detailed aerodynamic tests.
• Model and evaluate aeromap response surfaces for use in vehicle simulations and driver-in-the-loop simulators.
• Plan and execute wind tunnel tests.
• Perform correlational analysis of CFD and wind tunnel test results.
• Organize test results into concise, presentable reports for decision-making and implementation.
• Work closely with aerodynamics engineers, performance engineers, design engineers, and race team staff to improve race car performance and implement aerodynamic refinements.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related subject with coursework in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluid Mechanics.
• Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering preferred.
• At least 3 years of professional aerodynamic research experience; NASCAR experience preferred.
• Knowledge of experimental aerodynamics standard methodologies.
• Knowledge of the architecture and performance of NASCAR race vehicles and familiarity with NASCAR race series regulations preferred.
• Experience with computer tools, 3D CAD files, CAE methods, and experimental data.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, data collection, and data processing.
• Familiarity with aerodynamic and wind tunnel testing, measurement techniques, and data systems.
• Basic knowledge of scripting and programming.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to learn from and share knowledge with colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

As the Aerodynamicist, this role supports aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic design across all flight regimes for Blue Origin's New Shepard, New Glenn, and Advanced Development Programs, including hypersonic applications, CFD analyses, and wind tunnel testing. The Flight Sciences group relies on this work to develop aerodynamic and aerothermal databases, shape airframe configuration, and directly advance safe and repeatable spaceflight.

Activities

• Support the development of airframe and outer mold line design and configuration.
• Develop tools and tool chains to automate CFD and wind tunnel test analyses.
• Develop aerodynamic and aerothermal databases and models.
• Support enterprise-wide aerodynamic process development and training.
• Conduct CFD analyses and wind tunnel testing.
• Support loads development of loads for various vehicles.
• Work with principal and chief engineers to define best practices for aerodynamic and aerothermal analyses.
• Participate in all aspects of the program lifecycle, from early conceptual design and configuration through flight operations and sustaining engineering.

Position Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering is required, with a Master's degree or higher preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience with air vehicle aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, or flight mechanics, with demonstrated experience developing aerodynamic and aerothermal data for various vehicle configurations.
• Experience supporting wind tunnel and flight testing, including data reduction and post-flight data analysis, and in communicating aerodynamic impacts effectively to other subsystems and product teams.
• Experience in aerodynamic tool development and integration with optimization and analysis toolchains.
• Experience with CFD solvers such as CFD++, FUN3D, CRUNCH, LAURA, and VULCAN, and pre- and post-processing tools such as Pointwise, EnSight, ParaView, and Tecplot.
• Experience working with CAD geometry for building CFD meshes, performing simulations, and post-processing results.
• Experience with external and internal CFD simulations involving multi-species or multi-phase flows.
• Strong aerodynamic fundamentals and intuition across multiple flight regimes, including subsonic, transonic, hypersonic, continuous, and free molecular flow.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining databases for trajectory, GN&C, and structural loads analyses using analysis and test methods such as hand calculations, CFD, and wind tunnel testing.
• Demonstrated experience with aerodynamic testing and engineering-level methods, including Missile DATCOM, MINIVER, and wind tunnel testing.
• Familiarity with vehicle aerothermodynamic environments through all phases of flight, astrodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and flight environment analysis and modeling.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB and Python.

Aerodynamicist leads aerodynamic analysis of the turbine module within an integrated product team, creating and developing flow path geometry and airfoil designs that meet performance, structural, and durability targets for commercial and military engines. The work directly supports the Turbine Aerodynamics team's mission to advance engine thermal efficiency and core performance through CFD methods, component testing, and full-scale engine validation.

Operational Focus

• Lead aerodynamic analysis of the turbine module, working with a multidisciplinary team to support commercial and military engine programs.
• Manage moderately sized projects or processes.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert within the discipline and solve difficult, complex technical problems with minimal oversight.
• Coach, review, and delegate work to less experienced professionals.
• Create and develop flow path geometry and airfoil designs to achieve module requirements, including performance, structural, and durability targets.
• Assess and validate cooling, purge, and leakage flows as they relate to turbine performance and unsteady drivers to high-cycle fatigue.
• Develop technologies and work balance strategies that achieve higher levels of engine thermal efficiency and core performance.
• Assess and validate overall module performance with rig data, engine data, and state-of-the-art CFD methods.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience.
• Prior internship or co-op experience in the aerospace and defense industry preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a consistent record of collaboration, innovation, and initiative.
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability in responding to new business challenges.
• Passion for learning and contributing to a career in aviation and aerospace.

The Aerodynamicist produces aerodynamically efficient designs from earliest concept through volume production, using a first-principles approach, CFD, and experimental methods to meet challenging aerodynamics targets for next-generation Ford vehicles. Working closely with Design, Vehicle Engineering, and Program Management, this role delivers the cross-functional aerodynamic solutions and tool development that redefine performance, efficiency, and manufacturability in the automotive industry.

Role Responsibilities

• Use a first-principles approach to create aerodynamically efficient designs.
• Work with cross-functional partners, including Design and Vehicle Engineering, from early concept to production to improve aerodynamic performance.
• Work alongside designers to define products that are both aerodynamically efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
• Design and modify aerodynamic concepts in CAD.
• Evaluate and refine designs using CFD and experimental methods.
• Define and execute wind tunnel, road, and track test programs.
• Work with engineers to optimize part execution for aerodynamics and resolve design conflicts.
• Develop tools and methods used within the aerodynamics team.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering, or a combination of education and equivalent experience.
• Master's or PhD degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in aerodynamic development.
• At least 5 years of experience using CFD and experimental testing, such as wind tunnel or road testing.
• At least 3 years of experience creating and manipulating 3D surfaces in CAD.
• Detailed technical knowledge of CFD fundamentals.
• Track record of creating and developing novel aerodynamic concepts.
• Automotive or motorsport industry experience preferred.
• Ability to work towards challenging goals with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate complex aerodynamics concepts and goals to cross-functional partners.

Embedded within Scuderia AlphaTauri's Aerodynamics department, the Senior Aerodynamicist leads aerodynamic development of an F1 car across concept definition, CAD geometry creation, and analysis of CFD and wind tunnel simulations. Working closely with model design, CFD, aero production, and wind tunnel systems groups, this role mentors junior aerodynamicists and implements new methods and processes that improve the efficiency of aerodynamic ideas generation and testing.

Job Functions

• Lead the aerodynamic development of an F1 car, including concept definition, testing, and analysis of experimental and numerical simulations.
• Create new geometries using CAD and submit them for testing in both wind tunnel and CFD environments.
• Analyse results from CFD and wind tunnel testing and recommend track testing of performant geometries.
• Define, specify, and manage effective and efficient wind tunnel tests, including conducting shift work as required.
• Oversee, advise, and mentor aerodynamicists and junior aerodynamicists within the group to improve their skill sets.
• Suggest, investigate, and implement new methods and processes to improve the efficiency of aerodynamic ideas generation, design, testing, analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain and develop good relationships with the aero performance and development group leaders and senior aero management.
• Communicate effectively with model design, model shop, aero technology, CFD, aero production, and wind tunnel systems groups.
• Work in a professional manner at all times and proactively promote a positive image for the department.

Background & Experience

• At least 3 to 4 years of experience in F1 aerodynamics development.
• Strong, broad understanding of aerodynamics to degree level or above.
• Strong technical understanding of CFD and wind tunnel test techniques.
• Experience running wind tunnel testing programs.
• Proficient computer skills, including CFD and 3D CAD software.
• Exceptional communication and organisational skills.
• Team-player attitude with the ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to lead a project, solve complex problems, and achieve performance targets within strict deadlines.
• Fluency in English.

Reporting to engineering leadership, the Aerodynamicist supports the aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic design and analysis of flight vehicles, conducting fluid, thermal, and heat transfer analyses and developing flight test and instrumentation plans to ensure vehicles meet requirements. Partnering with design engineering teams, regulatory authorities, and internal and external customers, this role advances new technology development and reduces cycle time and cost across Boeing's flight vehicle programs.

What You'll Do

• Support the design and analysis of flight vehicles to ensure that aerodynamic and thermodynamic requirements are met.
• Support the development of new technologies and improvement of existing tools and processes to enhance technology readiness, improve vehicle performance, and reduce cycle time and cost.
• Perform fluid, thermal, and heat transfer analyses for aerospace applications.
• Develop flight test and instrumentation plans, support ground and flight testing, reduce and analyze test data, and prepare test reports.
• Work closely with design engineering teams for the development of new and improved hardware components and to resolve design and fielding issues.
• Support compliance activities with regulatory authorities and internal and external customers.
• Support the evaluation of analyses and test results to determine that compliance requirements are met.

Education & Experience

• Master of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry, or a Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of experience.
• Solid understanding of the principles of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Familiarity with developing heat transfer coefficients over bodies and internal flow pressure drop analyses.
• Experience at an aerospace company or government laboratory is desired.
• Knowledge of rotorcraft is desired.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Excel or other data manipulation tools.
• Familiarity with Thermal Desktop or thermal and fluid system tools.
• Familiarity with CFD software tools, especially ANSYS Fluent.
• Experience with ANSYS Fluent for structural and internal flow pressure loss analysis.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Sitting at the intersection of computational fluid dynamics and electrification strategy, the Aerodynamicist conducts advanced aero CFD simulations and DOE-driven design iterations to support Stellantis studio theme development and drive aerodynamic efficiency gains before theme selection. Operating across design and release teams, this role transitions product prototypes through all development stages and creates new analysis tools that advance Stellantis's best-in-class electrification objectives.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Conduct validation studies to compare fluid simulation results with experimental results.
• Bench tests and other numerical results, with a particular focus on heat and mass transfer.
• Evaluate existing products and early prototypes to set up fluid simulation cases, run cases, collect and analyze results, write reports, and present findings.
• Interact closely with design and release teams to transition product prototypes through all development stages into product release.
• Update and refine process validation, and add new functionalities.
• Create new analysis tools based on requests and feedback from virtual analysis staff and other CFD engineers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in computational fluid analysis in the automotive or a similar industry, analyzing flow behavior and performance targets in powertrain components.
• Academic background with direct experience or specialization in heat transfer.
• Fundamental knowledge of heat transfer, thermal analysis, and turbulence theory.
• Experience running 1D CFD analysis.
• Strong computational skills; familiarity with UNIX/Linux is a plus.
• Strong and effective English communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team of experienced professionals.

A key member of the aerodynamics engineering team, the Aerodynamicist refines aerodynamic databases for Stability & Control, Loads, and Lift & Drag datasets by defining wind tunnel test requirements, conducting live data analysis, and performing post-test verification and validation. Collaborating across flight test, loads, and in-house tools development groups, this role delivers verified aerodynamic datasets and improved analysis capabilities that support aircraft certification and program objectives.

Scope of Work

• Define wind tunnel test requirements, test matrices, and support test preparation.
• Conduct live data analysis during wind tunnel tests.
• Perform post-test activities, including data quality assurance and documentation.
• Conduct a detailed analysis of wind tunnel and flight test data.
• Model aerodynamic data for Stability & Control, Loads, and Lift & Drag datasets, and define dataset tolerances.
• Perform verification and validation of aerodynamic databases.
• Improve, design, verify, and validate in-house tools.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent diploma in Aerospace Technology or Engineering.
• Experience in wind tunnel testing, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, or dataset creation is valued.
• Knowledge of MS Office, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++.
• Business-fluent German and English skills.
• Willingness to travel for business trips of up to five weeks.
• Independent working style with the ability to analyse complex technical problems.
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to new situations.