Aerodynamic Systems Engineer

Heven AeroTech • Bingen, WA

13d • $90,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerodynamic Systems Engineer will support the design, analysis, and verification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) through computational and experimental aerodynamic evaluation. This role is responsible for developing and validating aerodynamic requirements, performing airflow simulations, and ensuring vehicle performance, stability, and control characteristics meet program requirements throughout the design lifecycle. The engineer will work cross-functionally with structures, propulsion, controls, and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated, flight-worthy aerodynamic solutions from concept through flight test.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 1–8 years of relevant experience in aerodynamics, CFD, or flight vehicle design (commensurate with role level)
• Working knowledge of aerodynamic fundamentals: lift/drag prediction, stability and control, boundary layer behavior, compressibility effects
• Hands-on experience with CFD software (e.g., Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, CFD++) or aerodynamic prediction tools (e.g., AVL, XFOIL, Missile DATCOM, Digital DATCOM)
• Proficiency in a scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis and automation
• Understanding of requirements development, verification methods, and technical documentation practices
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work in a cross-functional engineering team environment
• U.S. Person status required (per ITAR/export control regulations)

Nice To Haves

• Experience with UAS or small aircraft aerodynamic design and integration
• Experience with wind tunnel testing and data reduction
• Familiarity with 6-DOF flight dynamics simulation and vehicle stability/control analysis
• Experience with mesh generation tools (e.g., Pointwise, ANSA, ICEM CFD)
• Knowledge of aero-structural or aero-propulsive coupling analysis
• Exposure to flight test data analysis and correlation with pre-flight predictions

Responsibilities

• Perform aerodynamic analysis of UAS airframes, including lift, drag, stability, and control derivatives, using CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM) and/or panel/vortex-lattice methods (e.g., AVL, XFLR5, Tornado)
• Develop and maintain aerodynamic databases and 6-DOF simulation inputs to support flight dynamics and controls modeling
• Define, allocate, and verify aerodynamic performance requirements at the vehicle and subsystem level, ensuring traceability through design reviews
• Support wind tunnel test planning, execution, data reduction, and correlation with computational predictions
• Conduct design verification activities including analysis, simulation, and test to substantiate compliance with aerodynamic and performance requirements
• Evaluate airflow characteristics around airframes, control surfaces, propulsion integration points, and external stores/payloads
• Collaborate with structures and propulsion teams on aero-structural interactions, loads development, and aero-propulsive integration
• Support vehicle configuration trade studies, including planform, control surface sizing, and stability margins
• Generate technical reports, analysis memos, and presentations to communicate findings to internal stakeholders and customers
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and provide aerodynamic technical input and risk assessments
• Support flight test planning and post-flight data analysis to validate aerodynamic predictions
• Contribute to the development and improvement of internal aerodynamic analysis tools, workflows, and best practices

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• retirement plans
• paid time off/sick
• critical illness
• hospital indemnity
• accident coverage
• short- and long-term disability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level