Aerodynamics Engineer – Conceptual Sizing & Performance

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

Job summary

Archer is hiring an Aerodynamics Engineer in San Jose, CA to conceptually size primary surfaces for a next‑gen eVTOL and estimate performance across the flight envelope. You will use AVL/OpenVSP/XFOIL and handbook methods to develop drag polars and trim data, supporting vehicle trades with aerodynamic feedback.

The role requires experience with low‑fidelity tools and rotorcraft aerodynamics, plus Python/MATLAB for data analysis.

Qualifications

• Conceptual aerodynamic design experience using low‑fidelity tools (AVL, OpenVSP/VSPAERO, XFOIL) and handbook sizing methods (Hoerner, Roskam).
• Strong grounding in handbook‑based aerodynamic sizing methods (Hoerner, Roskam).
• Trim and flight mechanics analysis across hover, transition, and cruise regimes.
• Experience with vehicle performance estimation methodologies (range/endurance/speed).
• Tiltrotor/rotorcraft aerodynamics/performance experience desired.
• Experience with rotorcraft analysis tools such as RCAS or CAMRAD II is desirable.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB for aero data reduction and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conceptually size the primary aerodynamic surfaces for a tiltrotor/eVTOL configuration against mission requirements.
• Use low‑fidelity tools and handbook methods to build the drag polar across the flight envelope.
• Trim the vehicle across representative flight conditions and generate trim lines/schedules.
• Estimate vehicle performance (range, endurance, speed, climb) from aerodynamic and propulsion data.
• Conduct mission‑level performance analysis to inform sizing and configuration trades.
• Provide aerodynamic feedback into surface sizing and control effectiveness discussions.
• Collaborate with vehicle and powertrain architects to meet mission requirements.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Flight mechanics

Tools

AVL

OpenVSP

XFOIL

OpenFOAM

Job description

Aerodynamics Engineer – Conceptual Sizing & Performance

San Jose, California, United States

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.

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 07/31/2029

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form