Remote | Aerodynamics Expert — $80–$130/hour

24-Mag•New York, NY

1d•Remote

About The Position

We are sharing a specialised part-time consulting opportunity for experienced aerodynamics and CFD professionals with strong expertise in fluid mechanics, engineering simulation, computational modelling, and Python to contribute to an advanced AI training and engineering evaluation project. Selected professionals will create, solve, review, and validate aerodynamics and fluid-dynamics tasks using reproducible programmatic workflows. The work combines applied aerodynamic analysis, CFD modelling, numerical verification, Python-based automation, and technical evaluation of engineering solutions. Strong experience with command-line, scripting, configuration-based, or API-driven engineering tools is essential.

Requirements

MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with specialisation in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, or thermofluids; alternatively, a BS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with at least 1–2 years of aero-specific professional or research experience
Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and applied aerodynamics
Practical experience formulating and executing CFD or aerodynamic analyses
Strong proficiency with Python
Experience with at least one engineering tool or library that can be operated through a CLI, scripting interface, configuration files, or programmatic API (Relevant tools may include OpenFOAM, SU2, Gmsh, FEniCSx, Elmer, CalculiX, SciPy, or comparable software)
Ability to justify modelling assumptions, boundary conditions, mesh strategies, and solver settings
Ability to diagnose non-convergence, unstable solutions, incorrect results, and physically invalid outputs
Strong technical communication skills and ability to explain engineering reasoning and trade-offs clearly
Experience limited exclusively to graphical-user-interface workflows is not sufficient for this engagement

Responsibilities

Aerodynamic & CFD Analysis: Solve and validate advanced aerodynamic and fluid-dynamics problems. Translate physical requirements into computational models and solver-ready cases. Analyse airfoils, flow fields, aerodynamic forces, and related engineering quantities. Evaluate pressure, velocity, forces, moments, lift, drag, pressure loss, and other relevant outputs. Apply sound engineering judgement when selecting modelling assumptions and interpreting simulation results.
Geometry, Meshing & Solver Configuration: Create or modify geometries, computational domains, and numerical meshes. Define appropriate initial conditions, boundary conditions, fluid properties, and solver parameters. Select mesh strategies and numerical settings suited to the physical problem. Diagnose mesh-quality issues, poor convergence, unstable solutions, and invalid configurations. Evaluate turbulence modelling, boundary treatment, and numerical stability where relevant.
Python Automation & Programmatic Engineering: Use Python to automate preprocessing, simulation execution, parameter sweeps, post-processing, and validation. Build reproducible engineering workflows using scripts, configuration files, APIs, or command-line tools. Work with scientific Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, Matplotlib, Jupyter, or comparable packages. Integrate Python with engineering solvers, mesh-processing tools, and scientific computing environments. Ensure computational workflows are transparent, reproducible, and suitable for technical review.
Validation, Verification & AI Evaluation: Perform mesh-independence studies, sanity checks, and numerical verification. Compare simulation results against analytical, experimental, or trusted reference data. Review AI-generated engineering solutions and identify incorrect assumptions or invalid configurations. Detect physically unrealistic outputs, numerical inconsistencies, and weak validation methodology. Develop clear reference solutions and verification criteria for engineering tasks.

Benefits

Part-time independent contractor engagement
Fully remote and open to candidates worldwide
Compensation: $80–$130/hour
Expected commitment: approximately 15 hours per week
Schedule is flexible, including the option to work evenings or weekends
Compensation is output-based, with payment made for tasks that meet project specifications
Minimum submission requirements apply
Work will involve CFD analysis, aerodynamic modelling, Python automation, numerical validation, and engineering-solution review
Selected professionals should be prepared to begin their first task within approximately 24–48 hours of completing onboarding
Roles are typically filled within approximately 48 hours
The selection process may include screening questions, an approximately 30-minute AI interview, and hiring-manager review
Work must be completed without using confidential or proprietary information belonging to any employer, client, institution, research group, or other third party