Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

JetZero • Long Beach, CA

103d • $160,000 - $190,000

About The Position

JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft that uses up to 50% less fuel and is designed to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. The company aims to provide a sustainable solution to air travel, which currently contributes around 4% of global CO2 emissions. The JetZero team consists of experienced aerospace professionals and engineers who are passionate about achieving carbon-free flight that benefits both passengers and airlines worldwide.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in aircraft performance analysis, preferably for Part 25 transport aircraft.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, and aircraft mission analysis.
• Proficient in performance analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Fortran, C++) and familiar with industry-standard methods.
• Understanding of regulatory performance requirements (FAR/CS Part 25 Subpart B).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with blended wing body or nontraditional configurations.
• Familiarity with airline operations, dispatch requirements, and economic performance analysis.
• Background in optimization methods for performance trade studies.
• Flight test or certification campaign experience.
• Knowledge of mission simulation environments (e.g., GASP, FLOPS, SUAVE, or in-house tools).

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed aircraft performance analyses (takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, landing) per 14 CFR Part 25 and CS-25.
• Assist in developing performance models and tools for conceptual design, preliminary sizing, and certification analysis.
• Assess aerodynamic, propulsion, and weight trade-offs on aircraft performance.
• Perform mission performance analyses (range, payload, fuel burn, reserves) to optimize design and support airline economics.
• Execute field performance assessments, including balanced field length, obstacle clearance, and landing distance compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (aerodynamics, stability & control, propulsion, weights) to provide performance-driven feedback.
• Prepare compliance documentation and assist with FAA/EASA certification authority engagement.
• Analyze and correlate simulation, wind tunnel, and flight test data to validate performance models.

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, Life health insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Equity tax advisory services
• Supportive work culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees