Aerodynamics Engineer - Senior Level
About The Position
Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company, is a product development firm in the motorsports, defense, and mobility sectors, offering clients product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Their capabilities span research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production to accelerate the market entry of high-quality products. The Aerodynamics Engineer will be responsible for coordinating and owning wind tunnel testing activities, including test planning, directing 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 have the opportunity to lead various aspects of aerodynamic development programs, from design specification and conceptual layout to component optimization, physical realization, and on-track performance verification. This position is based at the Pratt Miller location in Huntersville, NC, supporting the Motorsports NASCAR Program, 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
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
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
- Perform, thrive, and push all levels of specialists to work in a dynamic and fast-paced, professional team environment
- Attention to time management
- Ability to communicate on various platforms (Teams, email, text message, phone calls)
- Must adhere to work schedule with reliable attendance
- Strong work ethic and pride in workmanship
- Hands-on skills and willingness to fit test parts in shop or at wind tunnel as needed
- Ability to suggest detailed improvements in systems and procedures to design staff to improve testing and process efficiency
- 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
- Prepping model part to final A-surface ready for the tunnel test
Benefits
- Competitive total rewards package
- People-first culture
- Opportunities to support team member growth and success
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
