Staff Aerodynamicist

Mighty Fly • Full-time • United States • 1w ago

ABOUT THE ROLE

MightyFly is looking for a seasoned aerodynamicist to join our small but highly capable team. This will be a staff level position overseeing and conducting all cradle to grave development relative to vehicle aerodynamics. Specific tasks will include conceptualization and brainstorming within a multidisciplinary team, detailed design, loft generation, and aero analysis of elements of experimental aircraft such as fuselages, wings, tails, control surfaces, air intakes, internal electrical cooling, parasitic elements, etc. Additional tasks will include developing aero databases and predicting aircraft performance. Candidates should have a strong mastery of fluid fundamentals tempered with an applied real world industry experience of best practices for small aircraft. The strongest candidates will have a mastery in one or more CFD packages and experience with wind tunnel models and flight test data correlation. The position includes the opportunity to advance into a lead role managing a growing team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Design aircraft architecture, configuration, and lofts
Specify wing sizes, select airfoils, size control surfaces, select propellers, define air intake and exhaust ports, etc.
Determine aircraft performance and conduct sensitivity studies
Create aero databases for flight control, based on needs from the GNC team
Define and conduct aerodynamic test programs
Work with airframe and GNC teams to develop efficient holistic aircraft designs

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

General

A personal drive to build systems from the ground up
A strong interest for tackling and solving complex problems
Self-directed/self-starter with the ability to work and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Technical

Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical/aerospace engineering or physics
10+ yrs aerodynamic industry work designing fixed wing aircraft or similar
Proficiency with a Computational Fluid Dynamics software package
Proficiency with a Computer Aided Design package
Proficiency with general purpose modeling and data processing codes

Planning & Partnering

Ability to plan and deliver on time
Organizational Skills
Excellent communication skills

Nice to have

Master’s degree in aeronautical/aerospace engineering or physics
15+ yrs aerodynamic industry work in relevant field
Familiarity with aviation certification standards & processes
Experience with general aviation, large UAVs, or VTOL aircraft
Experience specifying instrumentation/sensors
Experience specifying allowable steps and gaps in the outer mold line
Experience locating static and ram air pressure ports
Experience with flutter analysis and testing
Familiarity with Internal combustion engine cooling and aspiration needs
Familiarity with air cooling of electric motors and electronics

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

Equal opportunity

MightyFly is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Diversity

MightyFly values diversity and welcomes applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry. We are an international team led by a female CEO.

Job Location

Bay Area.
Work will be on site.

Culture

We are aviation and aerospace enthusiasts who believe the sky is not the limit.
Teamwork: We believe that to achieve great results we need great teamwork.
Working hard: Building reliable aviation and logistics products is really hard but also exciting, challenging, and rewarding.
Having fun: We believe that hard work needs to be coupled with fun. We love hanging out beyond the workday, hosting team dinners, and organizing fun activities. We love the outdoors and outdoor sports. And of course, we love flying.
Celebrating wins large and small.
Creativity. We love and encourage creativity. The best ideas emerge when our working environment fosters out-of-the-box thinking.
Equity, inclusivity, and respect for the diversity of life and work experiences that each individual brings to the team.
Transparency, honesty, and integrity.

Benefits