Aerodynamics Expert (MSc. or PhD)

Confidential; United States; Remote; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Part time

Job summary

Zekai seeks an Aerodynamics Expert (MSc or PhD) for a remote, contract-based role. You will contribute to an AI training project, performing CFD analyses, mesh generation, and Python-driven automation on airfoil problems and validation workflows.

The position emphasizes scalable, command-line workflows, progressive task execution, and flexible scheduling across multiple time zones. Global eligibility is welcome; compensation is task-based and per-hour within a highly skilled team.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with aero specialization; or BS with 1–2 years aero experience.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and applied aerodynamics.
• Experience formulating and executing CFD or aerodynamic analyses.
• Practical proficiency with Python.
• Experience with at least one CLI/ scripting tool or programmatic API.

Responsibilities

• Solve and validate aerodynamic and fluid-dynamics problems.
• Translate physical requirements into computational models and solver-ready cases.
• Create or modify geometries, computational domains, and meshes.
• Define initial/boundary conditions, fluid properties, and solver settings.
• Run CFD and aerodynamic-analysis workflows via command-line tools.
• Use Python to automate preprocessing, simulation execution, postprocessing, and validation.

Skills

Python programming

CFD analysis

Fluid mechanics

Aerodynamics

Convergence diagnostics

Education

MS in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

BS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (aero specialization) with 1–2 years aero experience

Tools

OpenFOAM

SU2

Gmsh

FEniCSx

Elmer

CalculiX

SciPy

Job description

Aerodynamics Expert (MSc. or PhD)

Pay: $80-$120/hour

Location: Global, fully remote

Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours per week)

Schedule: Flexible- you can choose the hours and days you work, including weekends if desired

We are looking for a highly skilled Aerodynamics Expert to contribute to an AI training project involving computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamic analysis, engineering simulation, and Python.

The work involves creating, solving, reviewing, and validating engineering tasks that can be completed through programmatic, command-line-based workflows. A representative task may require analyzing an airfoil, preparing a computational domain and mesh, defining appropriate boundary conditions, running a CFD simulation, calculating lift and drag, and determining whether the resulting flow field is numerically and physically valid.

What You’ll Work On

• Solve and validate aerodynamic and fluid-dynamics problems.
• Translate physical requirements into computational models and solver-ready cases.
• Create or modify geometries, computational domains, and meshes.
• Define appropriate initial conditions, boundary conditions, fluid properties, and solver settings.
• Run CFD and aerodynamic-analysis workflows using command-line-accessible tools.
• Use Python to automate preprocessing, simulation execution, parameter sweeps, postprocessing, and validation.

Required Qualifications

• An MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with an aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, or thermofluids specialization; or
• A BS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering plus at least 1-2 years of aero-specific professional or research experience.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and applied aerodynamics.
• Experience formulating and executing CFD or aerodynamic analyses.
• Practical proficiency with Python.
• Experience with at least one engineering tool or library that can be operated through a CLI, scripting interface, configuration files, or programmatic API.
• Ability to select and justify modeling assumptions, boundary conditions, mesh strategies, and solver settings.
• Ability to diagnose non-convergence, unstable solutions, incorrect results, and physically invalid outputs.
• Ability to communicate technical reasoning and engineering trade-offs clearly.

Relevant tools may include Python, OpenFOAM, SU2, Gmsh, FEniCSx, Elmer, CalculiX, SciPy, or similar programmatic engineering software. Experience with an equivalent CLI-accessible tool is acceptable.

Relevant Python tools may include NumPy, SciPy, pandas, Matplotlib, Jupyter, solver APIs, mesh-processing libraries, or domain-specific scientific packages. No single library is mandatory.

Compensation Structure

Compensation is output-based. Experts are paid per task that meets the project specifications. The time required to complete each task may vary depending on the expert’s experience and workflow.

Minimum submission requirements apply.

Start Timeline & Availability

• We typically fill roles within 48 hours and are looking for experts who are ready to begin immediately. If selected, you will be expected to start your first task within 24-48 hours of completing onboarding.

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.