Flight Physics Engineer — UAS Aerodynamics Lead

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

Job summary

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Physics and Configuration Engineer to lead aerodynamic analysis for the Lifter UAS. You will drive aircraft configuration development for prototype and production, collaborating with a tight-knit team and experienced founders.

As an early hire, you will help lay the technical and organizational foundation, gain visibility into the mission, and push for rapid, impactful innovations in a high-stakes environment. This role is onsite in San Leandro, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field with aircraft development experience.
• 3–5 years of aerodynamic modeling for prototypes or certified aircraft designs.
• Proficiency in design, sizing, and physics modeling including tests for validation.
• Familiarity with CFD and vortex lattice methods for 3‑D aerodynamics including propulsion effects.
• Understanding of statics/dynamics, fluid mechanics, and basic cooling systems.
• Experience with CAD/PLM tools to import/export geometries for mesh generation.
• Experience with full-scale prototype/UAS development and propeller modeling.
• Excellent communication and teamwork; willing to travel to test sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamic analysis of the aircraft configuration including sizing and loads.
• Collaborate with systems, GNC, propulsion, and software engineers to solve problems.
• Design and analyze aircraft designs using first-principle and advanced methods; validate with simulations and tests.
• Help select and manage tool chains for analysis and design with life-cycle awareness.
• Model aircraft for simulation and validation through ground and flight tests.
• Document and communicate engineering results across teams and manage configuration changes.
• Support aircraft development through production and flight tests to meet performance.
• Iterate to improve design tools and update analysis with changes.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Aircraft development experience

Strong communication

Travel to test sites

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

3DExperience

Blender

Job description

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Physics and Configuration Engineer to lead aerodynamic analysis for the Lifter UAS. You will drive aircraft configuration development for prototype and production, collaborating with a tight-knit team and experienced founders.

As an early hire, you will help lay the technical and organizational foundation, gain visibility into the mission, and push for rapid, impactful innovations in a high-stakes environment. This role is onsite in San Leandro, CA.