Senior UAV Airframe & Aerodynamics Lead

SkyCan Systems; Toronto; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

SkyCan Systems is seeking a Senior UAV Airframe & Aerodynamics Designer to drive conceptual and preliminary aircraft configurations. You will size geometries, build aero models, and evaluate range, endurance, and payload tradeoffs, coordinating with multiple teams to optimize performance.

Join a fast-growing defence tech company with a Canadian manufacturing footprint and a focus on secure supply chains. A strong background in aircraft design and certification awareness is essential.

Qualifications

• 7–12 years in aircraft conceptual design, aerodynamics, or performance engineering.
• Experience taking a configuration from concept through preliminary design for downstream teams.
• CGP security assessment eligibility is required or asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual and preliminary UAV configuration design across SkyCan's programs.
• Generate aerodynamic models and aero databases; assess propulsion placement and sensor payloads.
• Model range, endurance, climb, cruise, and payload-range tradeoffs for multiple propulsion architectures.
• Own weight and balance, CG envelope definition, and mass budgeting.
• Provide aero and performance data to 6-DOF flight dynamics models; support GNC development.

Skills

UAV design

Aerodynamics

Performance modeling

Mass properties

Flight dynamics

Propulsion integration

Regulatory awareness

Education

MASc or BASc in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CFD tools

Panel/VLM methods

XFLR5 / AVL

Job description

SkyCan Systems is seeking a Senior UAV Airframe & Aerodynamics Designer to drive conceptual and preliminary aircraft configurations. You will size geometries, build aero models, and evaluate range, endurance, and payload tradeoffs, coordinating with multiple teams to optimize performance.

Join a fast-growing defence tech company with a Canadian manufacturing footprint and a focus on secure supply chains. A strong background in aircraft design and certification awareness is essential.