Lead Aerodynamics Engineer — Supersonic Interceptor Design

Approach Venture LLC; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Approach Venture LLC in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to own the aero design and the aerodynamic database for a supersonic interceptor. You will shape external configuration, build the aero database for flight simulation, and run analyses predicting flight behavior.

You will work with the founders and with GNC, propulsion, and mechanical teams from concept through wind tunnel tests and flight validation, delivering results for government customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (master’s or PhD preferred).
• 5+ years of applied aerodynamics on flight vehicles.
• Experience building aerodynamic databases for flight simulation.
• Strong command of supersonic aerodynamics and stability and control.
• Python or MATLAB proficiency for analysis, data reduction, and automation.
• Hands-on CFD experience with tools such as Star-CCM+, Fluent, FUN3D, or Cart3D.
• Experience with engineering-level prediction tools such as Missile DATCOM.
• U.S. Person status required (ITAR) and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the outer mold line with the mechanical team, balancing drag, stability, maneuverability, and internal volume.
• Size control surfaces and fins to deliver the control authority across the flight envelope.
• Run configuration trade studies on body shape, nose shape, and control surface layout.
• Build the aerodynamic database of coefficients across Mach, AoA, sideslip, and deflection.
• Deliver the database in a format the 6DOF simulation consumes directly, under version control.
• Quantify database uncertainty to support Monte Carlo analysis.
• Plan and run wind tunnel tests with facility coordination and data reduction.
• Correlate the database to wind tunnel and flight data, and support flight tests with predictions.

Skills

5+ years aerodynamics

Aerodynamics database experience

Supersonic aerodynamics

Stability and control

Python

MATLAB

CFD proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

Star-CCM+

Fluent

FUN3D

Cart3D

Missile DATCOM

Job description

Approach Venture LLC in El Segundo, CA, seeks a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to own the aero design and the aerodynamic database for a supersonic interceptor. You will shape external configuration, build the aero database for flight simulation, and run analyses predicting flight behavior.

You will work with the founders and with GNC, propulsion, and mechanical teams from concept through wind tunnel tests and flight validation, delivering results for government customers.