Aerodynamics Engineer - Conceptual Sizing & Performance

AlleyCorp; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Aviation in San Jose, CA, is seeking an Aerodynamics/Performance Engineer to conceptually size the primary aerodynamic surfaces for a next-generation eVTOL and estimate performance using low‑fidelity tools. You will collaborate with vehicle and powertrain architects to close overall vehicle performance against mission requirements.

The role requires experience with AVL/OpenVSP, XFOIL, and handbook methods, plus proficiency in Python or MATLAB for aero data analysis.

Qualifications

• Conceptual aerodynamic design experience with low-fidelity tools (AVL/OpenVSP).
• Strong grounding in handbook-based sizing methods (Hoerner/Roskam).
• Experience with rotorcraft aerodynamics/performance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conceptually size primary aerodynamic surfaces for an eVTOL configuration across use cases.
• Use low-fidelity tools and handbook methods to build drag polar and trim across flight envelope.
• Estimate vehicle performance (range, endurance, speed, climb) from aero and propulsion data.
• Perform mission-level performance analyses to inform sizing and trades.
• Provide aerodynamic feedback to vehicle-level configuration trades and collaborate with architects.

Skills

Conceptual aerodynamics

Flight mechanics

Rotorcraft aerodynamics

Python

Tools

AVL/OpenVSP

XFOIL

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

THE ROLE

As Aerodynamics/Performance Engineer, you will conceptually size the primary aerodynamic surfaces and estimate the performance of a next-generation eVTOL, using low-fidelity aerodynamic tools and handbook methods to build the vehicle's drag polar, trim it across the flight envelope, and support vehicle-level configuration trades with aerodynamic and performance feedback.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Conceptually size the primary aerodynamic surfaces (wing, tail/empennage) for a tiltrotor/eVTOL configuration against mission requirements across different use cases.
• Use low-fidelity aerodynamic tools such as AVL, OpenVSP, or similar, together with handbook methods (e.g., Hoerner, Roskam), to build up the vehicle's drag polar across the flight envelope.
• Trim the vehicle across representative flight conditions — hover, transition, and cruise — and generate trim lines/schedules.
• Estimate vehicle performance (range, endurance, speed, climb) from integrated aerodynamic and propulsion data.
• Conduct mission-level performance analysis across representative use cases (e.g., payload-range trades, hover ceiling, best-range/best-endurance speeds) to inform vehicle-level sizing and configuration trades.
• Provide aerodynamic feedback into vehicle-level configuration trades (surface sizing, control effectiveness, stability margins).
• Collaborate with the vehicle and powertrain architects to close overall vehicle performance against mission requirements.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Conceptual aerodynamic design experience using low-fidelity aerodynamic tools such as AVL, OpenVSP/VSPAERO, XFOIL, or similar is required.
• Strong grounding in handbook-based aerodynamic sizing methods (e.g., Hoerner, Roskam) is required.
• Trim and flight mechanics analysis across flight regimes, including hover, transition, and cruise.
• Experience with vehicle performance estimation methodologies (range/endurance/speed).
• Tiltrotor and rotorcraft aerodynamics/performance experience is desired.
• Experience with CFD solvers such as NASA codes (e.g., OVERFLOW, FUN3D), StarCCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM), or similar is desired.
• Experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools such as RCAS, CAMRAD II, or similar is desired.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar for aero data reduction and analysis.

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $152,800 - $227,600. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.