Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Socket.dev; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 228,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

Wing is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team in Palo Alto, CA, hybrid work. You will lead aerodynamic design, testing, and analysis for unmanned aircraft systems and contribute to scalable drone‑delivery platforms.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in UAS/eVTOL aerodynamics, a BS in Aerospace Engineering, strong data analysis and scripting skills (Python/ Matlab), and proven ability to communicate results to diverse engineers.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of design and performance analysis for UAS/eVTOL aircraft.
• BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of fixed‑wing and multirotor aerodynamics, performance, stability & control.
• Experience with flight/test data analysis and Python/ Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Perform aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, and performance analyses using experimental and computational methods.
• Develop and maintain multidisciplinary design and analysis tools.
• Support aircraft development through design phases including prototyping, integration, verification, and validation.
• Process test data to evaluate propulsion systems across full envelope, including edge conditions.
• Develop performance models for design and simulation tools.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, GN&C, and software teams.

Skills

Python

Matlab

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

AVL

XFOIL

XROTOR

CHARM

Job description

About Wing

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on‑demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing's fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on‑demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.

About the Role

Wing is looking for a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team–an interdisciplinary team whose mission is to develop innovative and efficient aircraft and ground support equipment systems that advance the scalability of Wing's delivery business. This role is hybrid based in Palo Alto, CA. As an Aerodynamics Engineer, you are responsible for aerodynamic design, test, and analysis for unmanned aerial vehicle systems. You bring superb technical, research and analytical capabilities with a demonstrated ability to get the right work done quickly and effectively, diving deep, producing analysis and communicating results to a broad audience of content experts.

What You’ll Do

• Perform aircraft configuration trade studies on mission performance that includes effects of weight, fuel, stability and control, propulsion, and payloads
• Identify and validate key technologies to enable future aircraft capabilities through research, prototyping, and testing.
• Perform analyses of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, and aircraft performance using both experimental and computational methods
• Process test data to characterize and evaluate propulsion systems for thrust, power, efficiency, acoustic, dynamic response, and thermal performance across the full operational envelope, including edge-of-envelope and failure‑mode conditions
• Develop performance models of aircraft and propulsion subsystems for design and software‑in‑the‑loop simulation tools
• Develop and maintain multidisciplinary aircraft design and analysis tools
• Support aircraft development through conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases including analysis, prototyping, integration, and verification and validation activities

What You’ll Need

• 8+ years experience in design and performance analysis of electric or hybrid‑electric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and/or distributed electric propulsion aircraft
• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong understanding of fixed‑wing and multirotor aerodynamics, performance, stability & control
• Experience processing and analyzing flight test and lab test data
• Proficiency with Python, Matlab, or similar
• Experience with low‑speed wind tunnel testing and electric propulsion testing
• Experience working with low‑ and medium‑fidelity aerodynamics simulation tools such as AVL, XFOIL, XROTOR, CHARM, or similar
• Experience with small uncrewed aircraft prototyping including composite fabrication techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, GN&C, and software disciplines

Salary Range

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is the salary range below + bonus + equity + benefits. Wing's salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

$228,000 — $242,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment

Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

Candidate Accommodations

If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.