Senior Aerodynamics CFD Engineer

Executive Recruiting Group; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-paid life and disability insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Complimentary lunch on onsite workdays

Job summary

Executive Recruiting Group is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics/CFD Engineer for their Boulder, Colorado location. This position, which allows for remote work with travel, involves designing and optimizing components that impact aircraft aerodynamics, developing high-fidelity aerodynamic databases, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aerodynamics, strong CFD skills, preferably with NASA OVERFLOW or FUN3D, and an educational background in aeronautical engineering. Comprehensive benefits include medical coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience with a B.S. in modeling subsonic aerodynamics using CFD.
• Expert-level knowledge of subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB scripting.

Responsibilities

• Design, loft, and optimize components affecting aircraft aerodynamics.
• Develop high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction.
• Train and mentor junior aerodynamics engineers.

Skills

CFD and aerodynamic modeling

Aerodynamics design

Fluid mechanics

Python scripting

MATLAB scripting

Team collaboration

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering or a related field

Tools

NASA OVERFLOW

FUN3D

CATIA

NX

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Aerodynamics/CFDEngineerfor our Boulder, Colorado location. This role can be remote with travel.

Responsibilities

• Design,loftandoptimizecomponents that affectthe aircraftaerodynamics and outer moldline(OML).
• Build models, clean CAD geometry, and generate computational meshes to run CFD simulations that:
• Informaircrafttrade studies and configuration design decisions usingappropriatelyfidelity levels.
• Support aerodynamic design across all phases, from concept development through certification.
• Develop andmaintainhigh-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction, external-loadsanalysis, and real-time six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations.
• Correlate and validate CFD results against simulations of varying fidelity(e.g.cross-code comparisons, wind-tunnel testing, and flight-test data). Iterate models as new data becomes available.
• Post-process and analyze simulation and test data. Summarize results in reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (performance, acoustics, loads, stability and control, control laws, systems, and instrumentation) to define simulation parameters and requirements, ensure model accuracy, and provide CFDexpertiseto guide design decisions.
• Develop and improvethe softwaremethods, tools, and workflows that support aerodynamic modeling.
• Support verification and validation activities that rely on model outputs (e.g., failure hazard assessments (FHAs)).
• Train and mentor junior aerodynamics engineers.

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering or a related field
• 15+ years of experience with a B.S., 10+ years with an M.S., or 8+ years with a Ph.D. modeling subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics using CFD and validating results with wind-tunnel experiments
• Expert-level knowledge of subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics; strong theoretical background in fluid mechanics and CFD
• Experience with surface parameterization and aerodynamic shape optimization
• Experience in turbulence modeling, boundary-layer transition, unsteady aerodynamics, and interference aerodynamics
• Strong competence running NASA OVERFLOW and/or FUN3D CFD software (RANS flow solvers)
• Proficiencyin 3D surface and volume meshing using structured overset meshes and/or unstructured tetrahedral/hexahedral meshes
• Proficiencyin loftingaircraftin 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) and applying CAD cleanup tools
• Proficiencyin Python and/or MATLAB scripting
• Experience working with external partners and suppliers on development projects
• Familiarity with software development best practices and version control (Git)
• Good knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) hardware and software
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well both collaboratively and independently
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerodynamics design experience on a large transport/freighter/cargo categoryaircraft
• Familiarity withaircraftcertification standards (14 CFR Part 25 or Part 23), preferably having been through an airplane development and certification program
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms
• Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel test campaigns to validate CFD and aerodynamic predictions
• Proficiencyin MATLAB
• Experience mentoring junior aerodynamics engineers in CFD

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus mental health support with 24/7 counseling, virtual therapy, and the Calm app.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary critical illness and accident coverage, and a 401(k)-retirement savings plan.
• Health Care FSA and HSA options with tax advantages and rollover features.
• Employees working from Boulder office enjoy complimentarylunchon any day they work onsite.
• Additionalbenefits includeEmployee Assistance Program, caregiver support, discounted fitness memberships, educationalassistance, training programs, adoptionassistance, commuter benefits, and exclusive discounts through Perks at Work.