Flight Science Engineer – Aircraft Performance & Flight Test

Honda Research Institute USA; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Honda Research Institute USA is seeking a Flight Science Engineer to support aircraft performance and flight testing from design analysis to real-world validation. You will work across conceptual design, performance prediction, and flight-test data interpretation to inform development of Honda's next-generation aircraft.

The role emphasizes collaboration across engineering teams, tool development, and real-time test support. A strong foundation in MATLAB/Python and aircraft physics is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline; Master's preferred.
• 3–10 years in aircraft performance or flight science in aerospace.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python; knowledge of certification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to refine aircraft design concepts and safety strategies.
• Develop and enhance performance analysis tools and processes.
• Develop system requirements for electrical power, flight controls, etc.
• Support flight-test planning with pilots and engineers.
• Predict flight and ground test results using analytical models and compare to data.
• Provide real-time telemetry monitoring and post-flight data analysis.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Aircraft performance

Aerodynamics basics

Communication skills

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

C++

CFD tools

Vortex-lattice/panel methods

Job description

Flight Science Engineer – Aircraft Performance & Flight Test - Honda Research Institute USA

Flight Science Engineer – Aircraft Performance & Flight Test

Job Number: P25F25

Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) is at the cutting edge of Honda's research and development activities. HRI is exploring Urban Air Mobility (UAM) / Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) with the goal of creating the freedom of mobility. We are seeking individuals with vision who recognize that this emerging field is still in its early stages and have the drive to succeed and explore new frontiers in aviation. You will work as a Flight Science Engineer supporting the development of Honda's next-generation aircraft.

San Luis Obispo, CA

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will work across vehicle conceptual design, aircraft performance and flight testing—from predicting aircraft capability and influencing design decisions to supporting flight tests in real time and comparing test results against analytical models.

This role provides a unique opportunity to follow an aircraft from design analysis to actual flight testing and directly contribute to the development of Honda's next-generation aircraft. Join Honda's next-generation aircraft development team and help turn a new aircraft concept into a flying vehicle.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to refine aircraft design concepts and safety strategies for normal and emergency operations. Analyze aircraft performance across various operating scenarios and prepare engineering reports.
• Develop and enhance HRI performance analysis tools and processes to improve efficiency and capability.
• Develop system requirements (e.g., electrical power systems such as batteries and/or generators, flight controls, etc.) and collaborate with related engineering teams on technical matters, including aerodynamics, safety, mass, stability and control, loads, structures, and systems.
• Support flight-test planning in collaboration with test pilots and other engineers.
• Predict aircraft flight and ground test results using analytical models; compare predictions with test data to identify and resolve issues; and update models and designs as needed.
• Provide real-time support for flight-test missions through telemetry monitoring, post-flight data reduction, and data analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline; a Master's degree is preferred.
• 3-10 years of experience as an aircraft performance or flight science engineer in the aerospace industry, including eVTOL, rotorcraft, or fixed-wing aircraft.
• Knowledge of aircraft design, performance analysis, basic aerodynamics, and flight physics.
• Basic understanding of engineering optimization, with the ability to use and further develop optimization-based analysis tools for aircraft performance and design.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python, with the ability to understand, modify, and extend engineering analysis tools.
• Basic understanding of aircraft certification requirements and their application to aircraft performance (e.g., 14 CFR Parts 23, 25, 27, 29, and/or powered-lift requirements).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible and positive mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across cultures and with individuals from both within and outside the aviation industry.

Bonus Qualifications

• Understanding of operational requirements under 14 CFR Parts 91, 121, and 135.
• Knowledge of and experience with C++ or other engineering programming languages.
• Knowledge and experience with CFD analysis toolsets.
• Experience with aerodynamic prediction tools such as vortex-lattice and panel methods.
• Private or commercial pilot certificate.

Desired Start Date 12/1/2026

Position Keywords Aircraft Performance Engineer, eVTOL, AAM, UAM, Flight Science