Systems Engineer – Aerodynamics
Job Purpose The Systems Engineer – Aerodynamics is responsible for the design, analysis, validation, and integration of aerodynamic solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This role ensures that aerodynamic performance aligns with mission objectives, structural constraints, propulsion integration, and regulatory requirements. The engineer contributes to concept design, flight performance optimization, and multidisciplinary system-level trade studies that directly influence platform capabilities and survivability.
Key Responsibilities Aerodynamic Analysis & Design• Perform aerodynamic modeling and analysis of airframes, control surfaces, intakes, exhausts, and payload fairings using both analytical and computational methods (including CFD).• Lead the generation and validation of aerodynamic databases for use in flight simulation, stability & control, and autopilot design.• Develop and refine airframe geometr to optimize lift, drag, stability, control authority, and aerodynamic efficiency across different flight regimes.
Systems Engineering & Integration• Translate aerodynamic performance requirements into system-level specifications and subsystem interfaces (e.g., propulsion, control, structures).• Support trade studies related to aerodynamic shaping, flight envelope definition, stability margins, and control system architecture.• Collaborate with structural, propulsion, flight controls, and systems engineering teams to ensure balanced design integration.
Simulation, Testing & Validation• Execute CFD simulations, wind tunnel correlation, and performance predictions to validate aerodynamic models.• Support the definition and execution of wind tunnel tests, flight tests, and aerodynamic load validation.• Analyze test results and refine models to improve fidelity and platform performance predictions.
Documentation & Compliance• Generate documentation including aerodynamic analysis reports, system-level performance documentation, and airworthiness compliance reports.• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards such as CS-UAS, MIL-STD-1797, and internal design standards.• Contribute to certification documentation, including flight test reports on e.g. stability & control, performance and flying qualities.
Collaboration & Technical Support• Provide aerodynamic input during program reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and Formal Qualification Reviews.• Interface with internal design teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies as needed.• Support design activities for manufacturability and maintainability from an aerodynamic perspective.
Qualifications & Experience Educational Background• Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with emphasis in Aerodynamics (REQUIRED)• Master’s Degree in Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, or Computational Fluid Dynamics (PREFERRED)
Professional Experience• Minimum 10+ years of experience in aerodynamics within aerospace, UAV, or defense programs.• Experience in aerodynamic design, CFD analysis, and airframe development in UAVs, aircraft, or guided missile systems.• Exposure to aero-elasticity, static & dynamic stability, and aerodynamic loads is prerequisite.
Technical Skills• Proficient in:o CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, Open FOAM, or similar)o CAD and geometry preparation tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, Solid Works)o Flight performance and stability analysis tools (MATLAB/Simulink, AVL, XFOIL, Athena Vortex Lattice, or in-house codes)
• Demonstrated understanding of:o Subsonic and transonic flow behavioro Control surface sizing, effectiveness, and dynamic behavioro Wind tunnel testing techniques and instrumentation• Familiar with airworthiness and flight performance standards relevant to UAVs and defense systems
Preferred Certifications• INCOSE ASEP or CSEP – Advantageous• Certification in CFD or aerodynamic analysis from OEM or accredited provider – Preferred• AS9100D Quality Awareness – Preferred