Aerodynamics Engineer – ARX-1

AeroDef Nexus LLP; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroDef Nexus LLP is seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer to own the ARX-1 aerodynamics from concept through pre-design. You will translate mission requirements into aerodynamic requirements, lead configuration development, and drive performance models alongside CFD and analysis work.

You will work with propulsion, structures, composites, flight dynamics, and manufacturing teams to ensure aerodynamic decisions are integrated into the design and validated against test data as the program evolves.

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics.
• Strong understanding of aircraft aerodynamics and performance.
• Ability to perform first-principles aerodynamic calculations.
• Understanding of aerofoils, wings, boundary layers, drag and stall.
• Experience with CFD or aerodynamic analysis.
• Strong Python or MATLAB skills.
• Strong engineering mathematics and numerical methods.
• Ability to interpret results rather than simply generate them.

Responsibilities

• Own the aerodynamic definition and development of ARX-1.
• Perform first-principles aerodynamic calculations and CFD analyses.
• Develop aerodynamic configurations for wings, empennage, fuselage and propulsion integration.
• Validate CFD results with analytical, empirical and flight-test data as matured.
• Develop aerodynamic inputs for aircraft sizing and performance.
• Coordinate with structures, propulsion and flight dynamics teams.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Aero dynamics

First-principles analysis

CFD methods

Python

MATLAB

Numerical methods

Engineering judgment

Education

M.Tech/MS/MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

B.Tech/B.E. with relevant aircraft/UAV aerodynamics project experience

Tools

Python

MATLAB

OpenFOAM

ANSYS Fluent

Job description

AeroDef Nexus Group is building the next Airbus or Boeing out of India

Job Description

Company: AeroDef Nexus LLP

Type: Full-Time (Internship opportunities may be available)

Program: ARX-1 Aircraft Development Program

Domain: Aircraft Aerodynamics | Aircraft Design | CFD | Performance

About AeroDef

AeroDef Nexus is developing next-generation aircraft and aerospace technologies from India for the world.

Our flagship aircraft development program, ARX-1, is a next-generation austere utility aircraft concept designed around a modular, efficient and autonomy-ready architecture, with applications spanning logistics, ISR and other special-mission roles.

ARX-1 is currently in the concept and pre-design-freeze phase. This is a critical stage where the fundamental aerodynamic configuration and aircraft performance are being defined.

We are looking for an Aerodynamics Engineer who will own the aerodynamics of ARX-1.

This is not a CFD execution role. You will be accountable for developing, analyzing, optimizing and validating the aerodynamic design of the aircraft.

The Role

As the Aerodynamics Engineer for ARX-1, you will be the technical owner for the aircraft's aerodynamic performance.

You will translate mission requirements into aerodynamic requirements, develop the aerodynamic configuration, establish performance models, conduct analysis and CFD, identify design trade-offs and work with the broader aircraft team to ensure that aerodynamic decisions are correctly reflected in the aircraft design.

You will work closely with propulsion, structures, composites, flight dynamics, controls and manufacturing engineers.

Your Responsibilities

1. Own ARX-1 Aerodynamics

Own the aerodynamic definition and development of the ARX-1 aircraft.

Establish aerodynamic requirements and performance targets from aircraft mission requirements.

Lead aerodynamic configuration development for the wing, aerofoils, empennage, fuselage and propulsion installation.

Develop and maintain the aircraft aerodynamic database.

Identify aerodynamic design drivers, sensitivities and performance limitations.

Make and defend aerodynamic design recommendations during aircraft design reviews.

2. Aerodynamic Analysis & CFD

Perform first-principles aerodynamic calculations before relying on simulation.

Conduct CFD analysis across relevant flight conditions and configurations.

Analyze lift, drag, pitching moment, stall behavior and flow characteristics.

Develop drag buildups and aerodynamic performance models.

Perform mesh sensitivity, convergence and numerical-quality assessments.

Validate CFD results against analytical methods, empirical data and, as the program progresses, experimental and flight-test data.

Establish appropriate analysis methods for different stages of aircraft development.

3. Aircraft Performance

Develop aerodynamic inputs for aircraft sizing and performance analysis.

Support prediction of take-off, climb, cruise, range, endurance and payload performance.

Evaluate the aerodynamic impact of configuration and propulsion changes.

Conduct aerodynamic trade studies to support aircraft-level design decisions.

Identify opportunities to improve aircraft efficiency and performance.

Work with the propulsion team on propeller/engine-airframe integration.

Evaluate inlet, exhaust, nacelle and propulsion-installation aerodynamic effects where applicable.

Assess propulsion-induced flow effects and their impact on aircraft performance.

Support aerodynamic optimization of the complete aircraft rather than isolated components.

5. Aerodynamic Design Tools & Models

Develop Python/MATLAB tools for aerodynamic analysis and aircraft performance.

Use tools such as XFOIL, OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+ or equivalent as appropriate.

Build automated workflows for aerodynamic analysis and design iteration.

Maintain traceable assumptions, models and analysis results.

6. Design Integration & Validation

Work closely with structures and composites engineers to ensure aerodynamic designs are structurally and manufacturability practical.

Coordinate with flight dynamics and controls engineers on stability and control requirements.

Support wind-tunnel, ground-test and flight-test planning related to aerodynamics.

Correlate analytical and CFD predictions with test results and drive aerodynamic improvements.

Maintain ownership of aerodynamic issues through resolution and closure.

What You Will Be Accountable For

The successful candidate will ultimately be accountable for:

ARX-1 aerodynamic configuration

Aerodynamic performance predictions

Aerodynamic analysis methodology

CFD quality and interpretation

Drag and performance models

Aerodynamic trade studies

Aerodynamic validation and correlation

Identification and resolution of aerodynamic issues

Technical documentation of aerodynamic decisions

You will not simply be asked to "run CFD."

You will own the answer to: How well does ARX-1 fly, aerodynamically—and what do we need to change to make it better?

What We Are Looking For

Must Have

Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics.

Strong understanding of aircraft aerodynamics and performance.

Ability to perform first-principles aerodynamic calculations.

Understanding of aerofoils, wings, boundary layers, drag and stall.

Experience with CFD or aerodynamic analysis.

Strong Python or MATLAB skills.

Strong engineering mathematics and numerical methods.

Ability to interpret results rather than simply generate them.

Strong technical curiosity and engineering judgment.

Education

M.Tech/MS/MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

Exceptional B.Tech/B.E. candidates with substantial aircraft/UAV aerodynamic project experience will also be considered.

Strongly Preferred

Experience in one or more of the following:

Aircraft sizing and preliminary design

UAV or aircraft aerodynamic design

Flight dynamics and stability & control

Propeller/engine analysis

Wind-tunnel or experimental aerodynamic testing

Flight-test data analysis

Aircraft CAD and geometry development

Optimization or multidisciplinary design

Structures-aerodynamics integration

What Matters Most

We care more about engineering judgment than software checklists.

We want someone who naturally asks:

Does the physics make sense?

Do the numbers close?

What is driving the drag?

Where are we losing performance?

What assumptions are we making?

Can the CFD result be trusted?

What happens if we change the geometry?

What does the aircraft actually need?

You should be comfortable working from incomplete information, developing your own analysis methods and taking responsibility for the technical outcome.

You should also be comfortable working across disciplinary boundaries. At ARX-1, the best solution will not come from optimizing aerodynamics in isolation—it will come from understanding the aircraft as an integrated system.

Why Join AeroDef?

Own the aerodynamics of a clean-sheet aircraft.

Work on ARX-1 from the concept and pre-design-freeze stage.

Make aerodynamic decisions that directly influence the aircraft configuration.

Work alongside experienced aerospace engineers and industry experts.

Work across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, composites and flight systems.

Take your work from analysis and simulation toward physical testing and flight.

Take ownership of meaningful engineering problems in a young aerospace company building aircraft from India for the world.

The Opportunity

You will not be handed a finished aircraft and asked to run analysis on it.

You will join at the stage where the aircraft is being defined.

You will help answer fundamental questions:

What should the aircraft look like? How should it fly? How should it be powered? How do we make the numbers work?