Aerodynamics Engineer

$94,080 - $117,600/Yr

Archer Aviation - San Jose, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Jose, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

In this role, you will perform aerodynamic simulations of Archer's eVTOL aircraft using low- and mid-fidelity tools. You will develop both linear and non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelope. Additionally, you will process experimental data from flight tests and wind tunnel tests, comparing these results with your predictions. Your work will involve leveraging experimental data to enhance the aerodynamic models of the vehicle and supporting verification and validation activities that depend on model outputs and experimental results. You will also contribute to the development of Archer's aerodynamic software stack and improve the methods behind the modeling tools and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft using low-/mid-fidelity tools
• Develop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelope
• Process experimental (flight test and wind tunnel) data and compare with predictions
• Leverage experimental data to improve aerodynamic models of the vehicle
• Support verification and validation activities that rely on the model outputs and experimental results
• Contribute to the development of Archer aerodynamic software stack and improve methods behind the modeling tools and workflows

Requirements

• BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of experience with BS, or 1+ years of experience with MS, or 0-1 years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics
• Strong understanding of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & control
• Experience modeling eVTOL and/or multicopter vehicles, including 6 DoF vehicle trimming
• Experience with free wake methods and vortex particle wake solvers for fixed-wing and rotorcraft applications
• Experience with surrogate modeling and statistical analysis
• Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniques
• Demonstrated experience with flight test data processing and interpretation, ideally on rotorcraft, tiltrotor, and/or eVTOL programs
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Familiarity with software development best practices, object-oriented best practices, version control, CICD, Conda
• Experience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflows
• Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in groups and individually
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with wind tunnel testing and data processing of rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL
• Experience planning flight test campaigns to collect aerodynamics data for design verification purposes, including system identification
• Experience with aero low-/mid-/high-fidelity simulation tools for loads calculations
• Work experience with comprehensive analysis tools such as RCAS or CAMRAD2
• Experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software
• Experience with surface parametrization and aerodynamic shape optimization
• Experience with developing, training, and optimizing neural networks or other machine learning models
• Familiarity with Part 23 certification basis
• Familiarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraft
• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, and Fortran/C++ coding

Benefits

• Base pay between $94,080 - $117,600, determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience
• Commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities and those with sincerely held religious beliefs