Aerodynamics Engineer - Senior Level

Oshkosh Corporation•Huntersville, NC

6d•$91,500 - $148,100•Onsite

About The Position

Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company, is a product development firm specializing in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries. They offer product engineering and low-volume production solutions, encompassing R&D, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production. The Aerodynamics Engineer will be responsible for wind tunnel testing activities, including planning, test article preparation, execution, data analysis, reporting, and implementing findings. This role involves close collaboration with internal Aero/CFD/Design Engineers and Fabricators, utilizing modern methods. The engineer will lead aerodynamic development programs from design specification and conceptual layout to component optimization, physical realization, and on-track performance verification. This position is part of the Motorsports NASCAR Program at the Huntersville, NC Pratt Miller location and may require travel for track testing and race attendance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required
Minimum of 6 years professional motorsport or automotive aerodynamics experience
Wind tunnel test planning, execution, and data analysis experience required
Conceptual and technical understanding of motorsports aerodynamics with ability to develop from first principles
Proficiency in use of MS Office tools for concise and effective communication
Hands-on skills and willingness to fit test parts in shop or at wind tunnel as needed
Ability to move boxes and parts up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering preferred
Experience in CAD surfacing design, preferably Catia Generative Shape Design
Develop hardware and/or software tools to expand current capabilities in correlation and flow field understanding
Ability to work with a team of wind tunnel specialists in various capacities including passing down learned skills and knowledge
Ability to take on assignments independently with little direction given
Ability and skill able to suggest detailed improvements in systems and procedures to design staff to improve testing and process efficiency
Knowledge and ability of prepping model part to final A-surface ready for the tunnel test

Responsibilities

Lead interface between Pratt Miller aerodynamics department and supported NASCAR race teams to develop and communicate aero targets, performance and development needs (including toolset improvements)
Support the development of targets and integration of aerodynamics into broader vehicle for system performance optimization (e.g., ensuring the proper implementation of aerodynamic models into full vehicle simulations)
Organize wind tunnel and track test planning, coordination, execution and analysis to ensure successful tests
Work in tandem with Aerodynamic Specification Lead to incorporate developments into actionable team vehicle builds and to confirm proper maintenance of body build specifications with built-in test traceability
Maintain and confirm aerodynamic specifications of full-scale test assets (including wind tunnel and track test vehicles)
Develop, communicate, and implement aerodynamic instrumentation needs for wind tunnel and track testing.
Focus on the real-world aerodynamic performance of the race vehicles through correlation efforts to improve CFD, wind tunnel simulations and aerodynamic models
Perform aerodynamic and thermal analyses using a variety of tools (empirical and numerical) and synthesize alternatives
Report and communicate findings to customers in a clear, concise and timely manner
Develop concepts and aero surfaces for CFD, wind tunnel and track testing
Work with Pratt Miller manufacturing, model making, electronics, software, and race operations groups to complete projects to a high standard