Aerodynamics Engineer - Propulsion Integration (III/IV)

2w2 weeks ago

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, US · Full-time · $115,000 – $190,000

About this role

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers develops cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push UAS technology boundaries, solving complex challenges. We're seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer with propulsion design and integration experience.

The ideal candidate demonstrates experience in airbreathing propulsion integration, design, analysis, and optimization in advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems. They possess solid understanding of fluid dynamics, aerodynamic design, engine inlet and exhaust design, mechanical integration, and aircraft performance. They use tools ranging from hand, 1-D/2-D calculations, computational methods, wind tunnels, to flight testing.

Day-to-day work includes aerodynamic design of turbine engine flow paths on high performance UAVs and conducting CFD simulations for aerodynamic, mechanical, thermal, and performance impacts. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in structures, propulsion, controls, and systems engineering. Assist in test plans for bench, wind tunnel, and flight testing with data analysis.

Join a team driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, ready to impact next-generation flight systems. Avoid siloing, balance priority and speed with scaling products, mission-focused on supporting customers. Belong here if passionate about UAS capabilities.

Requirements

Demonstrable experiences in airbreathing propulsion integration and design, analysis, and optimization in advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Solid understanding of fluid dynamics, aerodynamic design, engine inlet and exhaust design, mechanical integration, and aircraft performance
Demonstrated use of tools ranging from hand, 1-D/2-D calculations, computational methods, wind tunnels, and flight testing of physical hardware
3-5 years of inlet/duct design and solving problems in aero-propulsion and integration of aerodynamics for aircraft and/or UAVs
Demonstrable experience building and maintaining low and mid fidelity aerodynamic modeling tools
Avoids siloing and consciously balances priority and speed with scaling products
Mission focused on supporting customers

Responsibilities

Responsible for aerodynamic design of turbine engine flow paths (inlet, exhaust, secondary flows) on high performance UAV
Conduct low, mid, and high fidelity CFD simulations to assess aerodynamic, mechanical, thermal, and aircraft performance impact of designs
Develop and validate aerodynamic models using combinations of CFD, wind tunnel testing, and/or flight test data
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (structures, propulsion, controls, systems engineering) to integrate aerodynamic insights into the overall design
Assist in the development of bench test, wind tunnel test, and flight test plans and data reduction and analysis
Ownership of simulation propulsion modules and modeling fidelity
Demonstrate working proficiency and practical understanding of engine performance and modeling
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and design documentation; present findings to key stakeholders and internal/external customers