Aerodynamics Chief Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking a Rotorcraft Aerodynamics Chief‑Engineer to support the RSES contract at NASA Langley Research Center. The role requires exceptional rotorcraft aerodynamics expertise and leadership of large wind tunnel efforts.

Responsibilities include senior‑level testing leadership, schedule and budget management, and developing rotorcraft models and data analyses. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of rotorcraft and wind-tunnel experience.
• SES-level leadership or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in experimental design and risk assessment.
• Mentors junior engineers and guides technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level leadership in wind tunnel testing, design, and execution.
• Manage schedules, budgets, and performance for large wind tunnel experiments.
• Serve as senior engineering support for safe wind tunnel operations.
• Develop and document rotorcraft aerodynamics models and data analyses.
• Review data collection efforts and ensure documentation quality.

Skills

Rotorcraft Aerodynamics

Wind Tunnel Testing

Mentoring / Leadership

Experimental Design

Education

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is in need of a full‑time Rotorcraft Aerodynamics Chief‑Engineer to support our team under the RSES contract at NASA Langley Research Center.

The candidate will have exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of rotorcraft aerodynamics and dynamics testing, model design, and aerodynamic and dynamics data analysis. Strong preference toward documented expertise leading large‑scale wind tunnel facilities; along with experience in Particle Image Velocimetry measurements, stress and strain measurements, and rotor model development. Peer‑reviewed journal publications on relevant topics are a plus.

The salary range for this position is $200,000-$225,000 commensurate with education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior‑level leadership expertise in wind tunnel experimental testing, design, and execution.
• Provide schedule, budget, and performance tracking for large wind tunnel experiments.
• Serve as the senior‑level engineering support for safe operations of wind tunnel facility.
• Ensure existing technical standards are met and establish new standards for evolving experimental needs.
• Support development, testing, and documentation of rotorcraft aerodynamics and dynamic models.
• Assist in documentation and review of experimental data collection efforts.

Technical Skills

• 20+ years of rotorcraft and wind‑tunnel related experience required.
• Demonstrated leader advising at SES‑level, or equivalent, regarding rotorcraft testing requirements and analysis.
• Proficient in experimental design, risk assessment, and documentation efforts.
• Strong experience leading and mentoring younger engineers.

Education and Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.

U.S. citizenship or Permanent Residence is required.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.