AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Aeronautical engineering work that does not meet the programme schedule leaves a satellite without a validated command procedure or a hypersonic test vehicle without cleared ground data, outcomes that no defence programme can recover cheaply. An Aeronautical Engineer in the defence and government sector owns the technical analysis, test execution, and documentation that keep programmes on track from design through operational fielding. Roles in this space often require a DoD Secret Clearance and regularly interface with government contracting officers, integrated product teams, and prime contractor engineering leads. Few engineering disciplines carry the same direct accountability for mission-critical hardware readiness.

As the Aeronautical Engineer, you apply aerodynamic analysis, structural assessment, and systems-level engineering judgement to defence and government programmes spanning ground test, satellite operations, and air vehicle product development. You work within cross-functional engineering teams, reporting to a senior engineer or programme manager, with a scope that regularly extends to contracted test facilities, government customers, and OEM partners.

Career Impact: Defence-programme experience with DoD Secret Clearance eligibility accelerates advancement into senior individual contributor and programme lead roles that civilian aerospace cannot replicate at the same pace.

Business Impact: Validated test data and cleared engineering documentation you produce directly determine whether a programme passes milestone reviews and advances to the next acquisition phase.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to hypersonic ground test methods, satellite systems engineering, and FAA or MIL-STD certification processes broadens your technical portfolio into areas that command premium market value within the defence industrial base.

• Design and execute aerodynamic or structural analysis programmes in support of ground test, satellite, or air vehicle development objectives.
• Develop test plans and verification procedures that translate programme requirements into measurable acceptance criteria.
• Monitor and analyse test facility or on-orbit system performance, delivering validated data sets to government and programme customers.
• Coordinate technical requirements and analysis objectives with internal engineering leads, government customers, and contracted test organisations.
• Review design configurations and engineering change orders to confirm they meet customer and regulatory specifications.
• Identify root causes of design or operational deficiencies and lead the resolution process through to closure.
• Produce technical reports, milestone review presentations, and programme status documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support cost and schedule tracking for assigned engineering tasks, reporting variances to programme leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of hands-on engineering experience in aerodynamics, structural analysis, ground test, or satellite systems, with demonstrated programme delivery.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret Security Clearance or equivalent government access credential.
• Working knowledge of compressible flow, heat transfer, or structural mechanics as applied to aerospace vehicle design or test environments.
• Demonstrated ability to write and review technical documents including test plans, engineering reports, and specifications for government or external customers.
• Experience interfacing with cross-functional teams spanning design, manufacturing, test, and programme management.
• Strong oral communication skills sufficient to present findings at milestone reviews and to government or customer stakeholders.

• Experience with hypersonic or high-speed aerodynamic test facilities, including test technique development and uncertainty assessment.
• Familiarity with ITAR-controlled products and the documentation requirements associated with government-contracted engineering programmes.
• Graduate degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, or professional engineering credentials relevant to the defence sector.
• Prior on-orbit mission operations experience or direct exposure to satellite command, telemetry, and anomaly resolution processes.

• Test plan closure rate, measured as the percentage of verification items closed on schedule per programme milestone.
• Anomaly resolution cycle time, tracking how quickly identified design or operational discrepancies are formally closed.
• Technical documentation acceptance rate at government customer review, reflecting first-pass approval without major revision requests.
• Cost performance index for assigned engineering tasks, measuring budget adherence relative to earned value.
• Clearance maintenance record, confirming continuous eligibility throughout the programme period of performance.
• Typical tools: CFD simulation (commonly ANSYS Fluent or STAR-CCM+); 3D CAD (commonly SolidWorks or Siemens NX); analysis scripting (commonly MATLAB or Python)

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on clearance level and seniority
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5% to 10% of base salary
• Equity: Uncommon at most defence contractors; stock purchase plans offered at larger primes
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution typically 70% to 85%
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus federal holidays standard at government-contracted employers
• Common Perks: Tuition reimbursement, professional development funds, and clearance-maintenance support

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

Work authorisation in the United States is required; this position may be subject to government security clearance requirements, and offers are contingent on successful background screening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities upon request.

The Aeronautical Engineer owns ground systems operations for an active satellite program, developing and testing command procedures, telemetry pages, and conducting anomaly review board investigations in collaboration with systems engineers. Reporting to program leadership and interfacing with ground system subcontractors, this role ensures mission continuity by sustaining architecture, configuration control, and flight operations readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a ground systems engineer supporting an active satellite program.
• Update test plans and test procedures for new features and ground system changes.
• Interface with ground system subcontractors in support of rolling tech refresh efforts.
• Provide mission operations support, including flight control and mission planning.
• Support system maintenance activities, including procedure updates and architecture upkeep.
• Conduct anomaly review board investigations in collaboration with systems engineers.
• Conduct testing using simulators and resolve discrepancies.
• Develop and test command procedures, telemetry pages, and other vendor-derived products.
• Support operations readiness activities, including configuration control board meetings.
• Support operations, including shift work.
• Monitor vehicle state of health across all subsystems and perform short- and long-term telemetry trending.
• Track space vehicle configuration, including hardware, software, and configurable item parameters.
• Modify existing operations procedures to incorporate lessons learned and develop new procedures as required.
• Provide status reporting through functional and program reporting branches.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline with 5 years of experience, or a master's degree with 3 years, or a PhD.
• Experience writing technical documents for external customers.
• Experience writing or updating ground system test plans and procedures from scratch.
• Prior experience conducting on-orbit mission operations and resolving satellite and ground system anomalies.
• Experience with mission operations and customer organisations.
• Experience working on government systems and government process environments.
• Working knowledge of ground system hardware, including front-end processors and encryptors.
• Experience with at least one spacecraft subsystem, including ADCS, CDH, COMM, EPDS, thermal, or FSW.
• Knowledge of and experience with the PERL programming language.
• Experience with ITOS ground control software and MAESTRO command and control software.
• Familiarity with the LEOStar Bus or MEV.
• Ability to lead and manage a diverse team of engineers and operators.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver persuasive presentations at milestone reviews.

Embedded within the technical sales and qualification function, the Aeronautical Engineer serves as the primary interface between aircraft, engine, and land forces system manufacturers across the Americas and governmental military and civil aviation authorities. Working closely with the sales department and customer organisations, this role delivers product qualification outcomes and market intelligence that advance the company's defence and civil aeronautics portfolio.

Core Functions

• Serve as the technical interface for aircraft, engine, component system, and land forces systems manufacturers across the Americas.
• Liaise with governmental military technical centres, testing labs, and civil aviation approval authorities, including the FAA.
• Promote and qualify the product portfolio to major actors in aeronautics and defence across the Americas.
• Follow up on qualification campaigns at customer facilities.
• Facilitate product qualification with civil and military approval authorities.
• Support the sales department and customers with technical assistance.
• Conduct prospective outreach to collect new market needs and technical trends.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering; an MBA is a plus, but not required.
• Minimum 5 years of civil aeronautics or defence OEM or aftermarket technical experience focused on aircraft jet engine production, repair, or maintenance.
• Preferred 7 or more years of technical experience with operators, aeronautical OEMs, or MROs in an engineering role.
• Experience with military and civil aviation standards and practices for aircraft maintenance is preferred.
• Preferred experience with the qualification and approval of aviation consumables, such as aviation lubricants, greases, and hydraulic fluids.
• Proficiency in written and verbal English, specifically with aeronautical engineering terms, reports, and technical writing.
• Willingness to travel extensively, approximately 50% of the time, both domestically and internationally, including to Canada, Mexico, and South America.

Reporting to senior engineers on the Design and Analysis team, the Aeronautical Engineer supports thermal and fluid analysis on aerospace vehicle external protection material systems across multiple environments. Partnering with research, manufacturing, and testing groups at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, this role contributes to next-generation composite structure and protection system development for military and commercial aircraft.

Primary Duties

• Support the thermal and fluids team by performing analysis on aerospace vehicle external protection material systems across multiple environments.
• Work with senior engineers on analytical tools and model development for thermal and X-ray response analysis of launch vehicle hostile environments.
• Support research and development, testing, and manufacturing groups during the development process.
• Support characterisation of material thermal properties, including test planning, test support, and data reduction.
• Apply sound mechanical engineering judgement, concepts, and techniques to produce high-quality, manufacturable designs.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 2 or more years of engineering work experience, or a master's degree in a STEM field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance and Special Program Access.
• Basic understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, physics, mechanical engineering, and material science.
• Demonstrated application of physics and material sciences.
• Experience with any of the following software packages: Thermal Desktop, Siemens NX, MATLAB, Python, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or Abaqus CAE.
• Experience supporting engineering tests.
• Willingness to learn Hydrocode applications.

Sitting at the intersection of aeronautical design and research and technology development, the Aeronautical Engineer at ITP Aero performs 3D modelling of design solutions, manages cross-disciplinary acceptances, and coordinates planning and risk mitigation for external component innovations. Operating across stress, materials, and supplier functions, this role accelerates the qualification and knowledge dissemination of new technologies applied to external aeronautical products.

Duties

• Perform 3D modelling of design and R&T solutions, including challenges derived from technology development.
• Coordinate disciplines and manage acceptances across stress and materials functions.
• Prepare technical packages for supplier requests for quotations, selection, and purchase orders.
• Define technology specifications based on R&T requirements.
• Support qualification tests of R&T hardware.
• Explore new technologies and their application in external products.
• Coordinate planning and implementation of actions for fulfilment.
• Assess technological risks and manage mitigation actions.
• Identify and implement lessons learned.
• Produce technical reports and related documentation for R&T knowledge dissemination.
• Maintain integrated planning and action plans, hold regular meetings, issue status reports, and drive the resolution of blockages.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in aeronautical engineering.
• 0–1 years of experience in 3D design and modelling, planning, and project reporting is desirable.
• Proficiency in 3D design tools, with a preference for Unigraphics.
• Mechanical aptitude for creative design solutions.
• Fluent in English.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on plan fulfilment.

A key member of the engineering department, the Aeronautical Engineer develops and updates operating manuals, minimum equipment lists, and performance, mass, and balance calculations for the aircraft fleet in close coordination with the Head of Engineering. Collaborating across quality, compliance, and pilot fleet management functions, this role ensures regulatory adherence and operational procedure optimisation across a multicultural aviation environment.

Functions

• Develop and update operating manuals, minimum equipment lists, and type-specific operational checklists.
• Ensure compliance with civil aviation authorities and applicable regulations.
• Support the EFB administrator with the integration of new procedures, monitoring of devices and software versions, user management, and technical support.
• Perform aircraft performance calculations and mass and balance calculations.
• Analyse manufacturer documentation and assess its applicability to the fleet.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong digital literacy and ability to learn new software tools.
• Good knowledge of Apple iPad and iOS.
• Effective organisational and time management skills with excellent editing ability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in demanding conditions.
• Ability to work in and adapt to a multicultural environment.
• Initiative to improve existing systems, processes, and documentation.
• Ability to analyse and synthesise complex problems.

Effective pilot training worldwide depends on the Aeronautical Engineer at Evionica, who translates complex aviation and engineering knowledge into concise, engaging computer-based training scenarios for aircraft type rating and ATPL programs. Based within an agile team of engineers and graphic designers, this role enables Evionica's global clients, including Lufthansa, KLM, and Wizz Air, to deliver accessible, innovative learning solutions.

Accountabilities

• Translate complex aviation information into straightforward, concise, and engaging content.
• Work with technical aviation documentation and professional learning materials to create innovative training scenarios for pilots, including aircraft type rating and ATPL.
• Support pilots by communicating engineering, technical, and complex aviation knowledge in an accessible way.
• Design training scenarios.
• Work in an agile team with engineers and graphic designers.

Technical Qualifications

• Engineering degree, with preferred specialisations in aviation, transport, or IT.
• Excellent English skills at B2 level or above, including the ability to read technical documentation in English.
• Logical thinking and creative problem-solving capability.
• Interest in new technologies and good general software skills.
• Availability for at least 30 hours per week.

As the Aeronautical Engineer in this new graduate role, this position supports new product development and factory support by translating product requirements into design specifications, executing verification testing, and working directly with mechanical designers on outer mold line definition. The product development team relies on this work to ensure customer requirements are met through rigorous design analysis and engineering change order processing.

Job Functions

• Provide aeronautical engineering support for new product development and factory support of existing products.
• Translate product requirements into a design specification and test plan.
• Execute verification testing as defined by the design specification and test plan.
• Conduct design analysis and testing to confirm designs meet customer requirements.
• Generate and process engineering change orders as required.
• Work directly with mechanical designers on outer mold line definition and trade studies.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
• GPA of 3.0 or greater.
• Ability to obtain a US Government Security Clearance.
• Exposure to aero analysis tools, including XFOIL and CFD, and experience in aircraft design.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, data collection, automation, or software programming for numerical analysis.

Aeronautical Engineer leads the planning, execution, and analysis of aerodynamic wind tunnel ground test and evaluation projects at Arnold Engineering Development Complex and hypersonic facilities nationwide. The work directly supports the technical success of Test and Evaluation technology development by delivering validated data to customers and advancing emerging aerodynamic ground test capabilities for government, industry, and academic working groups.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Support the development of new ground test, flight test, instrumentation, and analysis technologies and test techniques.
• Oversee planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of aerodynamic wind tunnel ground test and evaluation.
• Perform independent engineering analysis in support of design validation and technical issue resolution.
• Provide technical subject matter expertise to integrated product teams during the development of high-energy test facility systems.
• Support test activities in long-duration, short-duration, and shock tunnel aerodynamic test facilities.
• Support field installation and operational test activities as required.
• Coordinate requirements, plans, and analysis objectives with internal and external test customers.
• Lead the preparation of detailed test plans.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on ground test facility and flight test performance and deliver validated data to customers.
• Lead the identification and resolution of design and operational deficiencies.
• Manage cost and schedule, and prepare monthly status reports of technical, financial, and schedule performance.
• Track execution and notify leadership of technical issues.
• Support government, industry, and academia working groups on emerging aerodynamic ground test topics.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience planning, conducting, and analysing test programmes in aerodynamic ground test facilities.
• Bachelor's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, or an appropriate related discipline.
• Current Secret Security Clearance or eligibility for Secret Clearance.
• Demonstrated engineering experience in aerodynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, compressible flow, and design.
• Knowledge of hypersonic ground test facilities, including test techniques, uncertainty assessments, aero-optic measurement systems, pressure and heat flux instrumentation, force and moment measurement, and propulsion integration testing.
• Experience with high-speed or hypersonic systems and related performance and operability analysis is highly desired.
• Expertise with AutoCAD, MATLAB, and computational fluid dynamics analysis tools is highly desired.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellence in oral communication, technical writing, and presentation preparation.
• Unwavering attention to detail and exemplary work ethic.
• Ability to build positive relationships with co-workers, customers, and executing organisations.

The Aeronautical Engineer produces aerothermal CFD analyses, 3D and 2D design definitions, and structured technical documentation for aircraft air data sensors, including pitot, pitot static probes, and Angle-of-Attack sensors, in support of both R&D and new business pursuits. Reporting to senior engineers and collaborating with manufacturing and contracted service teams, this role advances sensor product performance, certification compliance, and lifecycle sustainment across a portfolio of FAA-certified and legacy systems.

What You'll Do

• Conduct aerothermal analysis using CFD methods with oversight from senior engineers.
• Support wind tunnel test campaigns at aerodynamic and icing facilities, including test condition generation and results analysis.
• Create and maintain 3D and 2D design definitions in SolidWorks and utilise finite element analysis where appropriate.
• Conduct technical design reviews and FMEAs to identify critical design factors and risks that impact product performance and manufacturability.
• Incorporate manufacturing capabilities and manufacturing input into the design process.
• Design products to meet DO-160 or MIL-STD-810 testing standards.
• Generate requirements for contracted services and oversee the quality and timeliness of contracted deliverables.
• Drive simultaneous projects through the design cycle to completion.
• Utilise structured problem-solving to identify and eliminate the root cause of technical issues.
• Provide obsolescence and sustaining engineering support for legacy products.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical or aeronautical/aerospace engineering.
• Must be able to work with ITAR products and related data without restriction.
• Proficiency in CFD simulation of compressible airflow using commercial CFD code and meshing tools.
• Proficiency in ASME Y14.5 and use of geometric dimensions and tolerances.
• Knowledge of SAE Aerospace Standards AS8006A and AS5562, and FAA TSO C16b, is preferred.
• Experience with the design of FAA-certified products is preferred.
• Proficient in data analysis, detailed CAD modelling, and simulation tools, including MATLAB, ANSYS/Fluent, and SolidWorks.
• Experience with core manufacturing processes and techniques, including machining, welding, brazing, assembly, and testing, is preferred.
• Experience with aircraft systems, flight testing, and wind tunnel testing is preferred.
• Strong technical writing skills, including procedure creation and requirements and specifications development for internal designs and external contractors.
• Excellent oral and reporting skills, including the ability to produce and present technical documentation and customer briefings.
• Ability to work flexibly in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Embedded within the continuing airworthiness management function, the Aeronautical Engineer analyses OEM and authority recommendations, conducts cost-benefit analyses of structural inspection and modification campaigns, and provides technical support for structural repairs to maintain fleet currency. Working closely with aircraft manufacturers and internal teams, this role ensures all structural modifications and repairs are executed in accordance with approved data, enabling safe and compliant fleet operations.

Key Deliverables

• Analyse and follow up on recommendations and mandatory requirements issued by aircraft OEMs and aviation authorities.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses of structural inspection and modification campaigns and manage implementation.
• Provide technical support for structural inspections and repairs to aircraft and aircraft structural components.
• Liaise with aircraft manufacturers to develop customised repair solutions when required.
• Ensure all repairs are performed in accordance with approved data.
• Analyse occurrence and incident reports and provide technical recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor technology evolutions and operational requirements to keep the fleet current.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's or master's degree in aeronautics, or equivalent through experience.
• Previous experience in a CAMO organisation or airline environment is an asset.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Proactive, accurate, and solution-oriented approach to work.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to an international, multicultural environment.