External Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking an External Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance Engineer to contribute to subsonic and transonic aero analyses, aircraft sizing, and performance predictions.

You will develop aerodynamic databases using handbook methods, inviscid tools, CFD, and flight data. Responsibilities include executing analyses, developing in-house tools, supporting wind tunnel and flight tests, documenting results, and presenting findings to internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related field; 2+ years engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of external aerodynamics at subsonic and transonic speeds.
• Knowledge of aircraft performance, sizing, and stability.
• Familiarity with inviscid tools, empirical methods, and 2D airfoil codes (XFOIL, MSES).
• Programming skills in C/C++, Fortran, Matlab.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance; good communication.

Responsibilities

• Aerodynamic database development, performance analysis, mathematical modeling.
• Plan, manage, execute aerodynamic analyses from handbook methods to Navier-Stokes CFD.
• Develop in-house analysis tools and provide aero design support.
• Support wind tunnel tests and flight tests, including data reduction and documentation.
• Generate reports and present results in meetings.
• Occasional travel to wind tunnels, test sites, conferences.

Skills

C

C++

Fortran

Matlab

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering

Tools

XFOIL

MSES

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for an External Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance Engineer in Poway, CA to contribute to the analysis of subsonic and transonic air vehicles, especially as it relates to the prediction of aerodynamics and aircraft performance. This engineer will be involved in the creation of aerodynamic databases derived from handbook methods, inviscid tools, wind tunnel, CFD, and flight testing. This position is within the Flight Technologies department in San Diego, CA. Responsibilities include the execution and documentation of analyses and tests related to aerodynamics, CFD (computational fluid dynamics), and aircraft performance, aircraft sizing, tool development, the estimation of budgets and schedules, and interfacing with internal customers as necessary to present results and ensure work is completed appropriately.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibilities will include aerodynamic database development, aircraft performance analysis, mathematical modeling, aerodynamic predictions, simulation development and support, flight data analysis, and documentation.
• Plan, manage, and execute aerodynamic analyses using tools that range from handbook methods via inviscid tools all the way to Navier-Stokes CFD and associated meshing tools.
• Develop and maintain in-house analysis tools, perform mathematical modeling, and provide aerodynamic design support for new aircraft and modifications to existing aircraft.
• Support various tests including wind tunnel tests and flight tests, including reducing and analyzing the data after the test and documenting the results.
• Generate reports, specifications, memos, performance charts for flight manuals, and sketches of the obtained aerodynamic and performance results and present them verbally in meetings and phone conferences to all level employees and customers.
• Occasional travel to wind tunnels, flight test sites, customer sites, and conferences.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Requires strong technical knowledge of external aerodynamics of aircraft at subsonic and transonic speeds, including natural laminar flow (NLF).
• Requires strong knowledge of aircraft performance, aircraft sizing, and aircraft stability.
• Requires familiarity with aerodynamic analysis tools that include inviscid tools, empirical methods, and 2D airfoil codes (such as XFOIL and MSES).
• Must have a sincere interest in airplanes.
• Requires solid programming knowledge (C, C++, Fortran, preferably Matlab).
• Must have an understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory and experience demonstrating the application of those concepts.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Requires a strong and respectful communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.
• Must be able to work both independently and on a team.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 68,770 - 116,193