Flight Physics Engineer: Build Next-Gen Autonomy (Equity)

Grid Aero, Inc.; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Job summary

Grid.aero seeks a Flight Physics Engineer to lead aerodynamic analysis and configuration work for the Lifter UAS. You will shape early-stage designs, run simulations, and validate performance in collaboration with an experienced team. This is a hands-on role contributing from ground up to production.

You will use first-principle methods and CFD/VLM tools, engage in trials and tests, and help select tools with lifecycle thinking while traveling to test sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with aircraft development experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in aerodynamic modeling for prototype or certified aircraft designs.
• Proficiency with aircraft design, sizing, and physics modeling including simulations for validation.
• Proficiency with viscous, turbulent CFD analyses and vortex lattice methods for 3-D aerodynamics.
• Familiarity with CAD/PLM software to import/export geometries for mesh generation and visualization.
• Experience with full-scale prototype aircraft/UAS development projects, including propeller modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic analysis of aircraft configuration including sizing, loads and design trade studies.
• Collaborate with systems, GNC, propulsion, and software engineers to solve complex problems.
• Generate and analyze designs using first-principle and advanced methods; validate performance via simulation and tests.
• Manage tool chains for analysis and design with lifecycle considerations.
• Model and validate aircraft through ground and flight test data.
• Document results and communicate across teams and manage configuration changes at outer mold line level.

Skills

Aerodynamics

CFD

VLM

Aircraft design

Communications

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Masters preferred

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

3DExperience

Blender

Job description

Grid.aero seeks a Flight Physics Engineer to lead aerodynamic analysis and configuration work for the Lifter UAS. You will shape early-stage designs, run simulations, and validate performance in collaboration with an experienced team. This is a hands-on role contributing from ground up to production.

You will use first-principle methods and CFD/VLM tools, engage in trials and tests, and help select tools with lifecycle thinking while traveling to test sites as needed.