Sr. Aerodynamicist

Aerospace is at a turning point - costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.Here, you won't just take a job - you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.At Neon Aero, we're building the next generation of quiet, high-efficiency aircraft propulsion systems. Our mission is to unlock new possibilities in aviation by dramatically improving propulsive efficiency while reducing acoustic impact.We are seeking a Senior Aerodynamicist specializing in propeller aeroacoustics to help design advanced propellers that deliver powerful thrust with minimal noise. In this role, you will lead the aerodynamic and acoustic design of propeller blades while shaping the internal aeroacoustic capabilities that will power future Neon Aero propulsion programs.If you enjoy solving complex rotating-flow problems, designing hardware that actually flies, and pushing the limits of quiet propulsion, this role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact.Why This Role Matters:Your work will directly shape the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of next-generation propulsion systems. You will help build the aeroacoustic design capability that enables quieter aircraft and more efficient propeller architectures-impacting everything from future Neon Aero vehicles to the broader aviation ecosystem. This is an opportunity to design hardware that flies while defining the engineering tools and methods that will power our future propulsion programs.You will get to:Design the Next Generation of PropellersLead the aerodynamic design and optimization of propeller blades for high thrust efficiency and low acoustic signature.Develop blade geometries including twist, chord, sweep, thickness, and loading distributions to balance aerodynamic, acoustic, and structural performance.Identify and implement noise-reduction strategies such as tip treatments, sweep, loading redistribution, blade count trades, and RPM scheduling.Predict and Analyze PerformancePerform aerodynamic and aeroacoustic analysis using analytical methods, reduced-order tools, and CFD-based approaches.Build models linking blade geometry, operating conditions, and installation effects to propulsion performance and noise metrics.Evaluate propeller performance across operating envelopes, including thrust, power, and efficiency.Test, Measure, and ImprovePlan and support wind tunnel testing, propulsion rig testing, and flight test campaigns.Analyze aerodynamic and acoustic data using signal processing and system identification techniques to identify noise sources and guide design improvements.Evaluate installation effects such as wing, pylon, or fuselage proximity and inflow distortion.Build CapabilityEstablish and grow Neon Aero's internal aeroacoustic design framework, including modeling tools, analysis workflows, and design guidelines.Collaborate closely with structures, propulsion, controls, and flight test teams to ensure integrated system performance.Communicate results through design reviews, technical reports, and certification documentation.What you'll Bring:Minimum 8+ years of experience in propeller, rotor, or turbomachinery aerodynamic design.Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field; relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.Strong understanding of propeller aerodynamics and blade design principlesExperience predicting tonal and broadband noise mechanisms in rotating systemsFamiliarity with aerodynamic modeling approaches such as BEMT, CFD, or propeller analysis toolsExperience evaluating propeller performance across operating envelopesAbility to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teamsDeep understanding of rotating-flow physics and propeller aerodynamicsAbility to turn aerodynamic insight into practical blade geometry improvementsSystems-level thinking balancing aerodynamics, acoustics, structures, and propulsion integrationStrong analytical capability across modeling, simulation, and experimental dataComfort operating in a fast-moving hardware development environmentPreferred ExperiencePropeller design for electric propulsion or distributed propulsion systemsExperience supporting propeller acoustic testing using microphone arraysExperience with aerodynamic optimization methods or parametric blade design toolsFamiliarity with aircraft noise certification frameworks or community noise considerations.Why Join Us:Work alongside elite engineering talent and innovators from across aerospace and tech.Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard.Shape solutions that are lower-cost, autonomous, and scalable - the future of aviation.Competitive compensation, including equity participation, growth opportunities, and full heath benefits (health, vision, dental, 401K) designed to support you in and out of work.This pay range is specific to the location where the role is posted. Final pay will depend on experience, skill level, and other job-related factors.Location-Specific Pay Range$150,000-$175,000 USDNeon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.