Lead Aerodynamics Engineer (UAV/Drone Systems)

3w3 weeks ago

KRUSH Labs

Eindhoven, NL · Full-time · €85,000 – €120,000

About this role

Are you passionate about R&D, driven to bring real impact, and enjoy taking research from concept to real-world development? KRUSH Labs is a global multicultural privately-owned Research Center founded in Eindhoven, Netherlands, in 2025. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge solutions at the intersection of modern technology and emerging markets.

The Lead Aerodynamics Engineer handles aerodynamic design, optimization, and performance validation of fixed-wing, VTOL, and hybrid UAV platforms. This ensures airframe geometry, lifting surfaces, and rotor/propeller systems meet performance, efficiency, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities span from concept through flight testing.

Collaborate closely with structures, controls, propulsion, and systems engineering teams to deliver high-fidelity aerodynamic solutions. Perform CFD analyses using ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM, and correlate results with wind tunnel and flight test data. Support flight dynamics modeling with MATLAB/Simulink or Python.

Provide technical leadership in multidisciplinary design reviews and concept evaluations. Plan and analyze wind tunnel testing, bench thrust tests, and flight data for model validation. Generate documentation for certification and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Aerodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
Extensive experience in aerodynamic design and simulation for aircraft or UAV systems
Strong proficiency with CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) and CFD solvers (ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM)
Solid understanding of flight mechanics, turbulence modeling, and aerodynamic fundamentals
Demonstrated experience analyzing and integrating wind tunnel and/or flight test data
Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data processing, automation, and model development
Experience with VTOL or hybrid UAV platforms

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize aerodynamic shapes for wings, fuselages, nacelles, pylons, and control surfaces to maximize lift-to-drag ratio and efficiency
Define aerodynamic configurations for fixed-wing and VTOL platforms, including transition flight behavior and coupled wing–rotor interactions
Design and analyze propellers and rotors using methods such as BEMT, focusing on thrust, efficiency, and noise reduction
Perform CFD analyses using tools such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM to evaluate flow behavior, wake interactions, and pressure distributions
Predict aerodynamic performance metrics like endurance, range, and power consumption across flight regimes
Model complex flow interactions for VTOL systems, including rotor downwash, transition phases, and propeller/rotor–airframe interactions
Collaborate with structural teams using coupled fluid–structure interaction approaches to validate loads and ensure integrity
Plan, support, and analyze wind tunnel testing, bench thrust tests, and flight test data collection