Aeronautical Engineer

Description

Are you passionate about aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and the challenge of transforming innovative concepts into flight-worthy systems? Innovative Aerosystems is seeking an Aeronautical Engineer to join a highly collaborative engineering team developing an advanced aerospace platform from concept through testing and production.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a small, fast-moving organization where engineering decisions have a direct impact on product success. Unlike larger organizations where responsibilities are fragmented across multiple locations, our team performs aircraft design, systems integration, testing, and development activities within a single facility, providing engineers with exceptional visibility into every stage of the product development process.

The Aeronautical Engineer will be a key contributor to vehicle configuration development, aerodynamic analysis, performance optimization, stability and control assessments, and flight test support. The successful candidate will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, avionics, and systems engineers to develop innovative aerospace solutions that meet demanding performance, reliability, and operational requirements.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, applying analytical methods to real-world aerospace applications, and seeing their work directly influence the success of a cutting-edge flight vehicle program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform aerodynamic analyses to support the design and optimization of aircraft configurations.
• Evaluate aircraft performance characteristics, including lift, drag, stability, controllability, endurance, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and assess aerodynamic models using computational and simulation tools.
• Conduct airflow analysis, trade studies, and performance assessments to support design decisions.
• Support aircraft conceptual design, preliminary design, and detailed design activities.
• Participate in aerodynamic testing activities, including test planning, data analysis, and correlation of analytical results.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate aerodynamic requirements with structural, mechanical, electrical, avionics, and software systems.
• Evaluate design changes and recommend improvements based on performance, manufacturability, and mission objectives.
• Support development of system and performance requirements through analytical modeling and engineering assessments.
• Assist in aircraft stability and control evaluations and flight dynamics analysis.
• Contribute to design reviews, technical reports, engineering documentation, and customer presentations.
• Support system integration, ground testing, and flight test activities.
• Assist in investigating technical issues and performing root cause analysis of performance-related concerns.
• Maintain awareness of emerging aerospace technologies, tools, and industry best practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to engineering processes and product development methodologies.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Person status required.
• Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 to 4 years of professional aerospace engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of aircraft aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and vehicle performance principles.
• Experience using aerodynamic analysis and simulation tools for aircraft development.
• Knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodologies and aerodynamic modeling techniques.
• Understanding of aircraft stability, control, and flight performance analysis.
• Experience performing engineering trade studies and developing technical recommendations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex technical data.
• Familiarity with aircraft design methodologies and aerospace development processes.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and present engineering findings effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Simulink.
• Experience using CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent aerodynamic analysis software.
• Experience with aircraft performance modeling and simulation.
• Familiarity with wind tunnel testing methodologies and correlation of test results to analytical models.
• Knowledge of aircraft certification considerations and aerospace regulatory requirements.
• Experience with flight test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Understanding of structural-aerodynamic interactions and integrated vehicle design.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environments.
• Pilot license or flight operations experience is a plus.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

The successful candidate should demonstrate familiarity with:

• Aircraft configuration development and aerodynamic optimization.
• Flight dynamics, stability, and control principles.
• Aerodynamic simulation and computational analysis methods.
• Aircraft performance prediction and validation techniques.
• Aerospace design standards and engineering best practices.
• Design verification and validation processes.
• Engineering documentation and configuration management.
• Multidisciplinary design integration and technical collaboration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stretch consistent with a typical engineering office, laboratory, and testing environment.
• Must be capable of inspecting prototypes, test articles, and engineering hardware.
• Must be able to lift and carry components weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to participate in ground test and flight test activities as required.
• Must be able to operate standard computer equipment and engineering analysis software.
• Occasional travel may be required to support testing, suppliers, or development activities.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Learn Company products, technologies, and development programs within six (6) months.
• Learn Company engineering procedures and development processes within three (3) months.
• Gain working knowledge of the IA Quality System within three (3) months.
• Develop familiarity with applicable aerospace standards, design practices, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of advancements in aerodynamics, simulation tools, flight dynamics, and aerospace technologies.
• Continuously expand understanding of emerging engineering methodologies applicable to future product development initiatives.

Why Join Innovative Aerosystems?

At Innovative AeroSystems, your work will directly influence the performance and success of an advanced aerospace platform. You will collaborate with experienced engineers across multiple disciplines in a highly integrated environment where ideas move quickly from concept to reality. This role offers the opportunity to tackle challenging aerodynamic problems, contribute to flight vehicle development from the ground up, and make a visible impact within a small, talented engineering team.

All IA positions may include duties beyond those outlined within a description or generally expected within the business; however, employees are expected to raise questions regarding any task that may exceed their professional qualifications or physical capabilities.

All IA associates are expected to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and their colleagues, the security of company facilities, and the protection of proprietary information and technologies.

Innovative Aerosystems (IA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity and VEVRAA Employer. IA is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, IA is committed to company-wide affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.