Propulsion Aerodynamics Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a Propulsion Aerodynamics Engineer in Poway, CA to lead propulsion analyses across subsonic and transonic regimes for military aircraft.

You will guide CFD/CFD tooling, wind tunnel studies, and engine sizing while collaborating with the Flight Technologies department and external teams. A security clearance and strong communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree (BS), Master’s, or PhD in engineering or a related field with progressive experience.
• Active security clearance is required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Expertise in gas dynamics, engine secondary flow paths, and diffuser/nozzle design/sizing.
• Solid understanding of turboprop, turbofan, and hybrid propulsion performance and stability.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in propulsion aerodynamics for subsonic UAVs and transonic UAVs.
• Stay current with industry developments and participate in events/workshops.
• Support design reviews and flight-test safety reviews.
• Establish/refine standards for inlet diffusers, nozzles, and secondary flow paths.
• Collaborate with external aerodynamics team to improve thrust-drag reporting.
• Develop methods to standardize aerodynamic databases and ROMs with uncertainty estimation.
• Conduct analyses for propulsion aerodynamics using wind tunnel tests and CFD.
• Assist engine sizing for conceptual designs and collaborate across teams.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders and external customers.

Skills

CFD

Aerodynamics

Python

C++

Fortran

MATLAB

Wind tunnel

Uncertainty estimation

High-performance computing

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ANSA

CCM+

FLUENT

Kestrel

NPSS

XRotor

BladeGen

AxStream

MATLAB

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. We are seeking an experienced Propulsion Aerodynamics Engineer in Poway, CA to provide technical leadership in integrating Turbofan, Turboprop, and Hybrid Electric engines into military aircraft. This role spans the full development lifecycle, including conceptual design, detailed design, and ground/flight testing. The position primarily focuses on propulsion aerodynamics across all GA-ASI aircraft programs, emphasizing subsonic and transonic flight regimes. This role is part of the Flight Technologies department in Poway, CA (San Diego, CA).

In addition to technical guidance, the successful candidate will support design reviews, flight test range safety board reviews, and other activities to ensure successful fulfillment of GA-ASI’s contractual obligations. The engineer will also stay informed of industry trends and advance propulsion-related design capabilities, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical leadership in propulsion aerodynamics for aircraft ranging from subsonic UAVs with extensive natural laminar flow (NLF) to transonic UAVs with shock-laden flows.
• Stay current with industry developments, including participation in events such as the AIAA Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop.
• Maintain familiarity with SAE/AIR standards for aero engine integration into aircraft.
• Establish or refine standards for inlet diffusers, nozzles, ejectors, and other secondary flow paths, incorporating low observability (LO) features.
• Collaborate with the external aerodynamics team to improve thrust-drag bookkeeping practices.
• Develop methods to standardize error bar reporting for aerodynamic databases and reduced-order models (ROMs) based on rigorous statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification (UQ).
• Conduct analyses related to propulsion aerodynamics, such as creating aerodynamic databases for inlet/engine coffin plots using wind tunnel tests and/or CFD.
• Provide input on engine sizing for conceptual design of new aircraft concepts.
• Collaborate with other teams within the Flight Technologies department to enhance both new designs and existing GA aircraft.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders, external customers, and professional organizations.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Active security clearance is required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Expertise in gas dynamics, including engine secondary flow paths, as well as diffuser and nozzle design/sizing.
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics related to turboprop, turbofan, and hybrid propulsion performance and stability in integrated designs.
• Advanced knowledge of CFD numerics (Navier-Stokes equations), turbulence models, transition modeling, and their application to propulsion aerodynamics.
• Proficiency in commercial meshing and CFD tools, including geometry repair, surface meshing, and volume meshing.
• Experience with aerodynamic databases, wind tunnel testing, flight testing, and uncertainty estimation.
• Strong foundation in subsonic and transonic aerodynamics, including natural transition and unsteady flows.
• Familiarity with aerodynamic analysis tools across multiple fidelities, from 2D airfoil tools to 3D Navier-Stokes CFD tools.
• Knowledge of aerodynamic stability and controllability requirements for aircraft, including mathematical theory and regulatory standards.
• Expertise in propeller and propulsive fan design and testing.
• Familiarity with signal processing related to propulsion testing.
• Familiarity with compressible flow equations and aerodynamic analysis tools, such as NPSS, XRotor, DFDC, BladeGen, and AxStream.
• Understanding of coupling between aircraft aerodynamics, propulsion performance, and thermal management.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Fortran, Python, and preferably MATLAB.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to wind tunnels, flight test sites, customer sites, and conferences.
• Extensive hands-on experience with commercial and/or government meshing and CFD software, such as ANSA, CCM+, FLUENT, and Kestrel.

Desired qualifications

• Familiarity with Turbofan/compressor stability testing
• Experience with aircraft flight testing, including knowledge of flight dynamics, flight data analysis, and tool development.
• Pilot’s license.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505