Aerospace Engineer

Haast Autonomous is building an autonomous aircraft network for time-sensitive medical logistics. We’re developing long-range VTOL aircraft, autonomy software, and the operational foundation needed to move critical payloads between hospitals, labs, and healthcare facilities on-demand faster and more reliably.We’re early, small, and moving quickly. Joining now means you'll have a direct role in shaping the foundation of Haast — our culture, engineering process, testing discipline, partner relationships, and the path from prototype to a real medical logistics network.We’re looking for high-agency people who want ownership, urgency, and system-level impact from day one.About The RoleAt Haast, Aerospace Engineers bridge the gap between aircraft physics, design, simulation, flight-test planning, and real-world data.We want every prototype, simulation, and flight test to teach us something valuable.What You’ll DoLead the initial conceptualization and design of aircraft based on core design requirementsBuild and maintain performance models for aircraft prototypesAnalyze range, endurance, climb, cruise, stall speed, stability, control authority, and payload tradeoffsSupport sizing, configuration, and design trade decisionsIntegrate design for manufacturing principles to ensure aircraft components are practical, efficient, and ready for real-world production and assembly. Create and refine 3D aircraft models using CAD toolsPerform CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to evaluate aerodynamic and structural performanceUse tools like XFLR5, OpenVSP, AVL, MATLAB, Python, JSBSim, Gazebo, or similar simulation and modeling platformsSupport SITL/HITL workflows with ArduPilot, PX4, or similar systemsCreate flight-test cards, test plans, success criteria, and post-test summariesAnalyze flight logs to compare true aircraft behavior with predictionsDiagnose issues—whether aerodynamic, controls, structure, propulsion, sensors, or operationsTransform flight data into actionable engineering improvementsCollaborate closely with mechanical, avionics, controls, and operations teamsDocument your assumptions, models, results, and engineering decisionsHelp lay the modeling, test, and validation foundation for a scalable autonomous aircraft networkWhat We’re Looking ForDeep understanding of aircraft performance, stability, flight mechanics, and test planningExperience with UAVs, fixed-wing, VTOL, or flight-test programsStrong proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, or similar)Hands-on experience with CFD (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, etc.) and FEA for aircraft analysisTrack record of using simulation and analysis to drive real-world hardware and design choicesProficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar data analysis toolsComfortable with tools like XFLR5, OpenVSP, AVL, JSBSim, Gazebo, or other aerospace simulation toolsAble to interpret flight logs and extract actionable conclusionsPractical engineering judgment regarding assumptions, uncertainty, and model limitationsAble to develop straightforward, practical test plans for rapid learningStartup-ready: thrive in a fast-paced environment where models must meet reality fastNice to HaveHands-on with ArduPilot, PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, or QGroundControlExperience with SITL/HITL simulation for UAVsInsights into fixed-wing VTOL transition dynamicsBackground in propulsion modeling, propeller selection, battery sizing, or hybrid-electric aircraftFamiliarity with CFD, wind tunnel, scale models, or flight-test instrumentationExperience in FAA test environments, BVLOS, aviation safety documentation, or risk analysisWhat Success Looks LikeFirst month: Understand the aircraft configuration, build a baseline model with real data, and establish immediate test objectivesThree months: Create a fast feedback loop—models, logs, and hardware changes work in sync, driving smarter next steps and better prototypesThe output we care about: a better aircraft and a more insightful next test—not just a polished reportHow To Stand OutWe care far more about what you’ve built than any credential or resume. When applying, please share details of aircraft modeling, simulation, or flight-test work you've done:Examples of hands-on UAV projects, builds, or performance modelsAircraft sizing studies, simulation code, or flight-test plans you contributed toData analysis, CFD/FEA results, CAD files, or engineering documentation from past projectsPlease submit links, files, photos, or write-ups of prior work—demonstrating your skills, approach, and what you’ve learned along the way. We want to see what you’ve tackled, built, and discovered first-hand.We care more about agency, ownership, taste, and evidence that you can build than whether you match every bullet point. If you have worked on aircraft, drones, robots, vehicles, rockets, or other hard technical systems and want to help build something from the ground up, we want to hear from you.