Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for an External Aerodynamics Engineer in Poway, CA. The ideal candidate will contribute to the development of analysis tools and methodologies, perform mathematical modeling of aircraft performance, provide flight and wind tunnel test support of existing products, and participate in the aerodynamic design of new products. The ideal candidate will have good verbal communication, technical writing and analytical skills, work management skills, and be capable of solving complex technical problems both individually and in a team environment. Responsibilities include execution and documentation of analyses and tests related to aerodynamics and aircraft performance, aircraft sizing, and analysis tool development.

This position is within the Flight Technologies department in San Diego, CA. (Poway, CA)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With supervisor or technical lead direction, applicant should have the ability to plan, manage, and execute aerodynamic analyses using tools that range from handbook methods to inviscid tools. Familiarity with Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and techniques is a plus.
• Responsibilities will include aerodynamic database development, mathematical modeling, aerodynamic predictions, simulation development, flight and wind tunnel test support, data analysis, and documentation.
• Execute aero-related design efforts and analyses regarding external aerodynamics. Examples include the design of laminar flow wings and tail sizing.
• Develop and maintain in-house analysis tools, perform mathematical modeling, and provide aerodynamic design support for new aircraft and modifications to existing aircraft.
• Support various tests including wind tunnel tests and flight tests, including reducing and analyzing the data after the test and documenting the results.
• Generate reports, specifications, memos, performance charts for flight manuals.
• Present results within the Engineering Organization and to internal program offices.
• Occasional travel to wind tunnels, flight test sites, customer sites, and conferences.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.


Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Requires strong technical knowledge of external aerodynamics of aircraft with a primary focus on subsonic speeds, including natural laminar flow (NLF).
• Requires strong knowledge of aircraft performance, aircraft sizing, and aircraft stability.
• Requires familiarity with aerodynamic analysis tools that include inviscid tools and 2D airfoil codes (such as XFoil and MSES).
• Must have a sincere interest in airplanes.
• Must be proficient with Matlab, both in general usage as well as coding/scripting.
• Must have an understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory and experience demonstrating the application of those concepts.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Requires a strong and respectful communicator (written and verbal) with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to work both independently and on a team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Desirable: Prior experience with aircraft flight testing and knowledge of flight dynamics, flight data analysis and interpretation, and development of data analysis tools.
• Desirable: Pilot’s license.
• Desirable: Security clearance.

Salary:$68,770 - $116,193