Intern - Aerodynamic Test Engineer

North Wind; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind in Minnesota is seeking an Aerodynamics Test Engineering Intern to support planning, execution, and analysis of aerodynamic testing for advanced aerospace applications. You will work with engineers on wind tunnel experiments, instrumentation, data acquisition, and data interpretation to support program objectives.

You will gain hands-on experience by developing test plans, configuring equipment, processing results, and contributing to technical reports and presentations while

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s program in a relevant engineering field.
• Coursework in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, experimental methods, or aerospace engineering.
• Basic understanding of aerodynamic principles and compressible flow.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or similar data-analysis tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and experimental data.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a multidisciplinary team.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain security clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and preparing aerodynamic tests.
• Develop test plans, procedures, test matrices, and technical documentation.
• Prepare, configure, and integrate aerodynamic test models, test articles, and instrumentation.
• Establish test configurations, operating conditions, and data acquisition requirements.
• Process and analyze experimental data related to pressure, forces, moments, and flow characteristics.
• Operate and troubleshoot instrumentation and data acquisition systems under supervision.
• Compare experimental results with CFD predictions and engineering calculations.
• Prepare test summaries, technical reports, and presentations.
• Participate in test readiness reviews and design reviews.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve testing challenges.
• Improve test procedures, data quality, and testing efficiency.
• Follow established safety procedures and program requirements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

BSc or MSc in Aerospace/Mechanical/Aeronautical Eng

Tools

MATLAB

Python

CFD basics

Data acquisition basics

CAD basics

Job description

Join North Wind - Accelerating National Advantage

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs – from R&D to flight testing, if you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Summary

North Wind is seeking an Aerodynamics Test Engineering Intern to support the planning, preparation, execution, and analysis of aerodynamic testing for advanced aerospace applications. Working alongside experienced engineers and technical teams, the intern will gain exposure to wind tunnel experiments, aerodynamic instrumentation, data acquisition, and experimental data analysis. This role offers an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real‑world engineering challenges while supporting the evaluation and development of advanced aerodynamic systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and preparing aerodynamic tests, including wind tunnel experiments and other ground-based testing activities.
• Support the development of test plans, procedures, test matrices, and technical documentation.
• Assist with preparing, configuring, and integrating aerodynamic test models, test articles, and associated instrumentation.
• Help establish test configurations, operating conditions, and data acquisition requirements.
• Support the collection, processing, and analysis of experimental data related to pressure distributions, aerodynamic forces, moments, and flow characteristics.
• Assist with operating and troubleshooting instrumentation and data acquisition systems under engineering supervision.
• Help compare experimental results with engineering calculations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions.
• Prepare test summaries, technical reports, presentations, and other engineering documentation.
• Participate in test readiness reviews, design reviews, and technical meetings.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, mechanical design, systems engineering, and technical operations teams to resolve testing challenges.
• Assist with improving test procedures, data quality, and testing efficiency.
• Follow established safety procedures, quality standards, and program requirements.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Coursework or project experience involving aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, experimental methods, or aerospace engineering.
• Basic understanding of aerodynamic principles and compressible flow is preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar applications.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, and experimental data.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize assigned tasks, work independently when appropriate, and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance if required by assigned programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with wind tunnel testing or other experimental aerospace testing.
• Exposure to supersonic or hypersonic aerodynamics, compressible flow, shock waves, or boundary‑layer behavior.
• Experience with pressure transducers, thermocouples, force balances, or other engineering instrumentation through coursework or projects.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, sensor calibration, or experimental uncertainty analysis.
• Exposure to CFD software or comparing computational predictions with experimental results.
• Familiarity with CAD software or the design and integration of test articles.
• Experience with laboratory research, engineering projects, or technical report writing.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre‑employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.