Aerodynamicist

Mach-Industries; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental

Vision

Equity

401(k)

PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Mach Industries in Huntington Beach, California, seeks an Aerodynamicist to design, analyze, and optimize autonomous defense platforms. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to improve aerodynamic performance and production-ready integration.

The role requires a 5+ year background in aerospace, proficiency with Datcom, Xfoil, OpenVSP, Cart3D, STAR-CCM+, and missile experience. This is a hands-on position with opportunities for growth and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in aerodynamic simulation tools at multiple fidelity levels (Missile Datcom, Xfoil, OpenVSP, Cart3D, STAR-CCM+).
• 2+ years working with missiles or closely related vehicles.
• Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and aerodynamic principles, with experience optimizing vehicle performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic analysis and design for air-breathing and solid rockets missile platforms across flight regimes.
• Own aerodynamic trade studies to optimize vehicle performance (drag, stability, control, efficiency).
• Contribute to vehicle-level configuration development, integrating aerodynamic concepts with propulsion and structures.
• Plan and support wind tunnel and flight test campaigns, analyze data and drive design updates.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Fast-paced environment

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Missile Datcom

Xfoil

OpenVSP

Cart3D

STAR-CCM+

Job description

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a talented and driven Aerodynamicist to support the design, analysis, and optimization of next-generation autonomous defense platforms. Your work will play a crucial role in ensuring our vehicles achieve peak performance and efficiency in mission-critical environments. As an aerodynamicist, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to analyze and refine vehicle performance, enhance aerodynamic efficiency, and integrate cutting-edge designs into production-ready systems.

Key Responsibilities

Lead aerodynamic analysis and design efforts for air-breathing and solid rockets missile platforms across relevant flight regimes, selecting and applying first-principles reasoning, computational tools, and empirical methods as appropriate.

Own aerodynamic trade studies to optimize vehicle performance (drag, stability, control, efficiency), assess design sensitivities, and recommend geometry changes aligned with mission-level requirements.

Contribute to vehicle-level configuration development, ensuring aerodynamic concepts are integrated effectively with propulsion, structures, and systems from early design through refinement.

Plan and support wind tunnel and flight test campaigns, lead aerodynamic data reduction and interpretation, and drive design updates based on validated results.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years of experience.

Proficiency in aerodynamic simulation tools and techniques at multiple fidelity levels, such as Missile Datcom, Xfoil, OpenVSP, Cart3D, and/or STAR-CCM+.

2+ years working with missiles or closely related vehicles.

Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and aerodynamic principles, with experience optimizing vehicle performance.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

8+ years experience of hands-on experience with missile systems, UAS, or high-speed aircraft.

Familiarity with startup or defense sector environments.

Experience developing aerodynamic solutions for scalable, production-ready systems.

Experience conducting wind tunnel or flight testing and analyzing experimental data.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

$115,000 - $150,000 USD

$155,000 - $195,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.