Senior Aeronautical Engineer

Soaringtechnologies; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary performance-based bonus

Incentive Stock Options

Job summary

Soaring is looking for an experienced Aeronautical Engineer based in California who will enhance and optimize UAV and rotorcraft designs. This role requires hands-on experience with aerodynamic modeling and CFD analysis, along with 6+ years of industry knowledge. The position offers a competitive salary of $180,000 plus performance-based bonuses. Join a pioneering team dedicated to advancing autonomous aircraft designs for commercial and defense applications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Aeronautical Engineering focused on drones or UAS platforms.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, electric propulsion systems, and flight mechanics.
• Proven ability to analyze aircraft aerodynamic and propulsive performance.

Responsibilities

• Enhance, design, and optimize aerodynamic models including propellers.
• Conduct CFD simulations and aerodynamic analyses using Luminary CFD.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

Skills

Aerodynamics

CFD analysis

Electric propulsion systems

Rotorcraft aerodynamic modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

CHARM

Luminary

Python

CAD tools

Job description

Soaring Aerospace Inc. (SAI) is a venture-backed aerospace and defense technology company designing and manufacturing autonomous UAV systems for commercial applications and mission‑critical defense logistics. Operating at the intersection of aerodynamics, propulsion, embedded systems, and autonomy, SAI partners with government agencies, defense organizations, and strategic customers to deploy advanced autonomous aircraft in high‑reliability environments.

As an early‑stage, high‑growth aerospace company, SAI offers engineers the opportunity to take ownership of advanced UAV and rotorcraft development from concept through flight validation. This role is ideal for an experienced aeronautical engineer who thrives in hands‑on design, modeling, and testing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Enhance, design, and optimize aerodynamic models, including propellers and fuselage outer mold line (OML)
• Model full system performance, including payload, range, motors, battery configuration, and optimal airspeed
• Conduct CFD simulations and aerodynamic analyses of propellers, aircraft configurations, and flow interaction studies using Luminary CFD
• Model rotor performance using CHARM
• Validate CHARM and CFD predictions using wind tunnel or flight test data
• Design rotorcraft systems including power architecture, rotor and motor selection, rotor hub and variable pitch mechanisms, airframe geometry, structural layout, and energy system integration
• Conduct motor and rotor characterization testing to ensure performance and design compliance
• Evaluate control authority, stability, propulsive efficiency, and aerodynamic‑structural trade‑offs
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to advance vehicles from concept to prototype
• Produce clear technical reports, modeling documentation, and design presentations

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Aeronautical Engineering focused on drones or UAS platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering, or related field
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, electric propulsion systems, and flight mechanics
• Hands‑on experience with rotorcraft aerodynamic modeling, including wake modeling, load analysis, free wake simulation, and performance prediction
• Strong background in CFD, rotor aerodynamics, and multirotor physics
• Experience with CAD tools and scripting
• Experience working with common aerospace materials such as composites and aluminum alloys
• Proven ability to analyze aircraft aerodynamic and propulsive performance
• Experience preparing formal technical documentation including specifications, test procedures, reports, and engineering drawings

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or related field
• Experience with e-VTOL or UAV design
• Experience with CHARM, Luminary, Onshape, and Python
• Experience with empirical aerodynamics testing, including propulsion bench testing (RC Benchmark) and wind tunnel testing
• Familiarity with blade element momentum theory, vortex lattice methods, or actuator disk rotor models
• Experience with flight testing or multirotor prototyping
• Knowledge of control systems such as PX4 or flight simulation environments such as Gazebo

Compensation

• $180,000
• Discretionary performance‑based bonus
• Incentive Stock Options