Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer

Natilus; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)

Retirement Plan – 401k

Unlimited PTO

Onsite Gym Access

Job summary

A pioneering aviation company is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer in San Diego, CA. The ideal candidate will conduct CFD analysis, support wind tunnel testing, and lead aerodynamic optimizations across a new generation of aircraft. Requirements include a minimum of 7 years of experience, proficiency in CFD tools like Fun3D and ANSYS Fluent, and a Bachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering. This role offers an opportunity to redefine modern aviation with innovative designs and high performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of directly related work experience.
• Experience performing aerodynamic analysis using CFD methods.
• Understanding of aerodynamic theory, including subsonic and transonic flows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct CFD analysis and support wind tunnel testing.
• Lead aerodynamic optimization and performance prediction.
• Manage large, complex project initiatives with minimal oversight.

Skills

CFD analysis

Applied Aerodynamics theory

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fun3D

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS Fluent

OpenFOAM

Job description

Overview

Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.

By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation.

Work Summary:

Natilus is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will conduct CFD analysis and support low- and high-speed wind tunnel testing. You will help lead aerodynamic optimization, vehicle design decisions, and performance prediction across the Natilus family of aircraft.

Main Responsibilities

• Set up and perform component and vehicle level CFD analyses.
• Author and release analysis reports.
• Planning, support, and execution of wind tunnel tests.
• Planning and support of aerodynamic design optimization studies.
• Perform comparative analyses of predicted aerodynamics with experimental and/or flight test data.
• Lead method and tool development and enhancement activities.
• Manage large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization with minimal oversight or direction.
• Strong understanding of Applied Aerodynamics theory is required.
• Strong understanding of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical methods.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of directly related work experience
• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering or equivalent work experience
• Experience performing aerodynamic analysis using CFD methods
• Proficiency with CFD tools (e.g., Fun3D, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar)
• Experience with low-speed and/or high-speed wind tunnel testing, including test planning and data reduction
• Understanding of aerodynamic theory, including subsonic and transonic flows
• Experience with aerodynamic optimization and design trade studies
• Ability to support vehicle performance prediction and design decision-making
• Familiarity with aircraft or vehicle configuration development and integration
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills
• Understanding of Part 23 requirements

Core Behaviors

• Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
• Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
• Lead by example and model expected behaviors
• Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
• Retirement Plan – 401k
• Unlimited PTO
• Onsite Gym Access

Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Please note: Recruiters will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information during the application phase