Staff CFD Engineer

Archer; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to enable sustainable urban air mobility. We design, manufacture and operate a four-passenger eVTOL with minimal noise.

We seek an experienced aerodynamicist to lead CFD modeling and shape optimization, spanning from conceptual design to certification. Strong Python, CFD, and HPC skills are essential for success in our fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS/ MS/ PhD in Aeronautics Engineering or related fields.
• 8+ years with BS, 6+ years with MS, or 4 years with PhD modeling rotorcraft/aero CFD.
• Strong understanding of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics.
• Strong CFD and fluid mechanics background.
• Experience in aerodynamic design and shape optimization.
• Experience with surface parametrization and optimization.
• Experience in modeling turbulent flows and unsteady phenomena.
• Experience with steady and unsteady RANS.
• Experience with NASA Overflow CFD software required.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling (NX preferred).
• Proficiency in Python; Fortran is a plus.
• Familiarity with Git and software development practices.
• Knowledge of HPC hardware/software.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform aerodynamic design and CFD simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft.
• Run aerodynamic shape optimizations of components of Archer vehicles.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity models of Archer eVTOL aircraft.
• Loft high quality surfaces for OML definition.
• Correlate and validate CFD results with flight test data and wind tunnel experiments.
• Support vehicle aerodynamic design through all phases of the project, from conceptual design to certification.

Skills

CFD simulation

Python programming

Fortran programming

NX CAD

NASA Overflow

Chimera grid tools

PointWise

Git version control

HPC knowledge

Unsteady RANS

Education

Aeronautics Engineering degree (BS/MS/PhD)

Tools

NX CAD software

NASA Overflow CFD

PointWise meshing tool

Chimera grid tools

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform aerodynamic design and simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft using CFD
• Run aerodynamic shape optimizations of different components of Archer vehicles
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity models of Archer eVTOL aircraft
• Loft high quality surfaces for OML definition
• Correlate and validate CFD simulation results with lower-fidelity simulations, flight test data, and wind tunnel experiments
• Support vehicle aerodynamic design through all phases of the project, from conceptual design to certification

What You Need:

• BS / MS / PhD in Aeronautics Engineering or related fields
• 8+ years of experience with BS, or 6+ years of experience with MS, or 4 years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics with CFD
• Strong understanding of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics
• Strong theoretical background in fluid mechanics and CFD
• Experience in aerodynamic design and shape optimization
• Experience with surface parametrization and aerodynamic shape optimization
• Experience in modeling turbulent flows, boundary layer transition, unsteady and interactional aerodynamic phenomena
• Experience with steady and unsteady RANS
• Experience with NASA Overflow CFD software required
• Proficiency in meshing 3D surface & volume meshing utilizing structured overset meshes and/or unstructured tetrahedral/hexahedral meshes. Experience using NASA's Chimera grid tools package preferred
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling (NX preferred)
• Proficiency in Python. Experience in coding in Fortran is a plus
• Familiarity with software development best practices and version control (git)
• Good knowledge of high-performance computing hardware and software
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in groups and individually
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with NASA Fun3D CFD software
• Experience with HELIOS computational framework
• Familiarity with PointWise
• Experience performing acoustic analysis
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $141,120.00 - $176,400.00. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.