Senior Aeronautical Engineer

High Power Media Ltd; Orange, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive Stock Options

Discretionary performance-based bonus

Job summary

Soaring Aerospace Inc. (SAI) is seeking an experienced aeronautical engineer to own UAV and rotorcraft development from concept to flight validation. You will work across aerodynamics, propulsion, embedded systems, and autonomy in a hands-on design environment in Orange County, CA.

The role emphasizes rotorcraft aerodynamic modeling, wind-tunnel/flight data validation, and collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software teams. A 6+ year track record in drones/UAS is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in aeronautical engineering focused on drones or UAS.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and flight mechanics.
• Hands-on rotorcraft aerodynamic modeling including wake modeling and load analysis.
• Experience with CFD, rotor aerodynamics, and multirotor physics.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and scripting.
• Experience with aerospace materials such as composites and aluminum alloys.
• Experience preparing technical docs like specs, test procedures, and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Enhance, design, and optimize aerodynamic models for propellers and aircraft surfaces.
• Model full system performance including payload, range, motors, battery configuration, and airspeed.
• Run CFD simulations and aerodynamic analyses using Luminary CFD.
• Model rotor performance using CHARM and validate predictions with wind tunnel/flight data.
• Design rotorcraft systems including power architecture and energy integration.
• Conduct motor and rotor characterization testing for performance verification.
• Evaluate control authority, stability, and propulsion-aerodynamics trade-offs.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to advance from concept to prototype.
• Produce technical reports, modeling docs, and design presentations.

Skills

Aeronautical Engineering

CFD

Rotorcraft aerodynamics

CAD tools

Scripting

Materials knowledge (composites & Al)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering

Tools

CHARM

Luminary CFD

Onshape

Python

Job description

About the job

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 dataDesign 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 eVTOL 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