Senior Engineer, Aerodynamics/CFD

Radia; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vi‑

Mental health support with 24/7 care

Employer-paid life and disability ins.

401(k) retirement plan

HSA/HSA options

Lunch at Boulder office on onsite days

Perks at Work discounts

Job summary

Radia, based in Boulder, CO, is seeking a senior aerodynamics engineer to design, loft, and optimize large transport aircraft components. You will build CFD meshes, validate results against wind tunnel data, and develop high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction and 6-DOF simulations.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, improve modeling workflows, and mentor junior engineers while leveraging HPC resources. Remote work may be considered based on experience.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in aerospace engineering or related field
• 15+ years with BS / 10+ years with MS / 8+ years with PhD modeling subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics using CFD and validating results with wind-tunnel experiments
• Expert-level knowledge of subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics with CFD and wind tunnel validation
• Experience with surface parameterization and aerodynamic shape optimization
• Experience in turbulence modeling, boundary-layer transition, unsteady and interference aerodynamics
• Proficiency in NASA OVERFLOW and/or FUN3D CFD software (RANS)
• Proficiency in 3D surface and volume meshing using structured overset or unstructured meshes
• Proficiency in lofting aircraft in CATIA/NX and CAD cleanup
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB scripting
• Experience with external partners and Git version control
• Knowledge of HPC hardware/software
• Strong communication and ability to mentor juniors

Responsibilities

• Design, loft and optimize components affecting aerodynamics and OML
• Build models, clean CAD geometry, and generate CFD meshes for simulations
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction and 6-DOF simulations
• Correlate CFD with wind-tunnel and flight-test data; iterate models
• Post-process and present results to stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define simulation parameters
• Develop and improve software methods and workflows for aerodynamic modeling
• Support verification and validation activities (FHAs)
• Train and mentor junior aerodynamics engineers

Skills

CFD modeling

Python scripting

MATLAB

HPC familiarity

6-DOF simulations

Technical communication

Mentoring

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering or related field

Tools

NASA OVERFLOW

FUN3D

CATIA

NX

Python

MATLAB

Git

Job description

About Radia

Radia is a dual use aerospace company developing WindRunner™, the world’s largest cargoaircraft. WindRunner is designed to enable direct transport of oversized cargo across defense, energy, commercial, aerospace, and humanitarian missions without reliance on specialized infrastructure. Radia is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado and Rome, Italy, with a growing global partner and supplier network.

Responsibilities

• Design, loft and optimize components that affect the aircraft aerodynamics and outer mold line (OML).
• Build models, clean CAD geometry, and generate computational meshes to run CFD simulations that:
  • Inform aircraft trade studies and configuration design decisions using appropriately fidelity levels.
  • Support aerodynamic design across all phases, from concept development through certification.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction, external-loads analysis, 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 CFD expertise to guide design decisions.
• Develop and improve the software methods, 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)
• Proficiency in 3D surface and volume meshing using structured overset meshes and/or unstructured tetrahedral/hexahedral meshes
• Proficiency in lofting aircraft in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) and applying CAD cleanup tools
• Proficiency in 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 category aircraft
• Familiarity with aircraft certification 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
• Proficiency in MATLAB
• Experience mentoring junior aerodynamics engineers in CFD

Work Environment

Boulder, CO preferred; remote candidates may be considered based on experience, role requirements, and ability to travel as needed.

Compensation: $175,000-200,000

• 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 Radia’s Boulder office enjoy complimentary lunch on any day they work onsite.
• Additional benefits include Employee Assistance Program, caregiver support, discounted fitness memberships, educational assistance, training programs, adoption assistance, commuter benefits, and exclusive discounts through Perks at Work.