Staff Aerodynamics Engineer

Staff Aerodynamics / CFD EngineerAbout the TeamThis company is focused on robotics and automation to transform last-mile logistics. The team is building fast, efficient, and reliable aerial delivery systems, combining advanced robotics, aviation engineering, and operational innovation to bring autonomous drone delivery to market at scale. This is a well-funded program with strong executive sponsorship and a clear path to commercialization.About the RoleWe are working with a major technology company that is seeking a Staff Aerodynamics/CFD Engineer to drive the aerodynamic design and computational analysis of their drone delivery aircraft. You will be responsible for external aerodynamics, rotor/propeller aerodynamics, and vehicle-level performance prediction using high-fidelity CFD and lower-order methods. This is a technically deep role requiring strong fundamentals and the ability to translate simulation results into actionable design guidance.About the role...Lead aerodynamic design and analysis of multi-rotor and hybrid VTOL configurations, including rotor-airframe interaction, transition flight regimes, and cruise optimization.Develop and execute CFD simulations (RANS, URANS, and where appropriate, LES) to characterize vehicle aerodynamic performance, stability derivatives, and flow field behavior.Build and maintain lower-order aerodynamic models (blade element, vortex lattice, panel methods) for rapid design iteration and vehicle performance sizing.Conduct trade studies on airframe geometry, rotor placement, nacelle design, and control surface sizing to optimize lift-to-drag ratio, hover efficiency, and transition performance.Correlate CFD predictions with wind tunnel data and flight test measurements; refine models based on empirical results.Define aerodynamic load cases and provide inputs to the structures and loads teams for airframe sizing.Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices for aerodynamic analysis workflows and simulation quality assurance.About you...A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (MS or PhD) in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics preferred.7+ years of experience in aerodynamic design and CFD analysis for rotorcraft, eVTOL, UAS, or fixed-wing aircraft.Expert-level proficiency with commercial or open-source CFD solvers (e.g., STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or equivalent).Strong background in rotor aerodynamics, including blade element theory, momentum theory, and rotor-rotor/rotor-wing interaction effects.Experience with mesh generation tools and best practices for complex geometries (structured, unstructured, overset grids).Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar for post-processing, automation, and integration with design tools.Experience correlating simulation results with experimental data (wind tunnel, flight test).Ability to communicate complex aerodynamic concepts clearly to cross-functional teams including structures, controls, and systems engineering.