Aerospace Engineer II

Ideal Aerosmith • Grand Forks, ND

1d

About The Position

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, innovative defense solutions in support of the warfighter, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

Ideal Aerosmith is seeking a motivated and technically strong Aerospace Engineer II to support the design, development, integration, and flight test of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) supporting Department of War customers.

This role is ideal for an engineer with approximately five years of experience in UAS or aerospace vehicle development who is ready to take ownership of key subsystems and contribute to full lifecycle development - from concept and trade studies through prototype integration, ground testing, and flight validation.

The selected candidate will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams including propulsion, avionics, software, manufacturing, and flight operations to deliver scalable, mission-capable unmanned systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Approximately 5 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience, preferably in UAS development
• Experience supporting vehicle development through prototype and test phases
• Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Experience with analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, or similar)
• Ability to interpret and generate engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Working knowledge of avionics integration and flight control systems
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Effective communication skills and ability to work within cross-functional teams
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced prototype environment with evolving requirements
• Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
• Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
• Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
• The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in relevant field preferred
• Experience with fixed-wing UAS (Group 2/3 preferred)
• Familiarity with gas-powered propulsion systems preferred
• Experience working in DoD or defense-related programs preferred

Responsibilities

• Support aerodynamic, structural, and systems-level design of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems
• Perform trade studies, performance modeling, and analysis related to range, endurance, payload integration, and flight envelope
• Develop and refine CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation
• Support subsystem integration including propulsion, fuel systems, avionics, payloads, and communications
• Participate in prototype builds, hardware integration, and ground/flight test events
• Analyze flight test data to validate performance models and inform design iterations
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure producibility and scalability of designs
• Support configuration management, documentation control, and compliance with customer requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and engineering standards

Benefits

• Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

What This Job Offers

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