Senior Aerodynamic Test Engineer

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Development Test Team designs and executes unique tests for components and subsystems on an accelerated schedule, providing diverse engineering challenges in a dynamic hands-on team.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Aerodynamic Test Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, Ca. In this role, you will be responsible performing aerodynamic testing on a variety of systems. You will manage test campaigns, develop procedures, sequences, and software. This role requires operating and troubleshooting a wind tunnel, processing data, and collaborating with design engineers to resolve system anomalies, all while maintaining high safety standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with wind tunnels and aircraft design principles. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead and execute wind tunnel testing programs, from planning, instrumentation, as well as data acquisition, reduction, and quality assurance.
• Manage the operational schedule and resources of the wind tunnel facility.
• Coordinate closely with program leads to define test objectives, requirements, and deliverables.
• Provide model design sizing and fabrication support.
• Maintain and ensure the calibration and readiness of the wind tunnel and associated instrumentation.
• Acquire, process, and analyze aerodynamic test data, providing clear and accurate results.
• Develop low speed wind tunnel corrections such as blockage, streamline curvature, flow angularity, and support tare/interference

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of professional experience in a related engineering field
• Hands-on experience operating different wind tunnels (e.g., open-circuit, closed-circuit, subsonic, blowdown) 
• Understanding of common aerodynamic sensors such as pitot tubes, PIV systems, and force balances.
• Understanding of common wind tunnel corrections, their methodologies and implementations
• Experience in designing and executing complex aerodynamic test matrices, including variable parameters like Reynolds number and Mach number sweeps.
• BS, MS or PhD in aerospace engineering, or related disciplines.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• • Proficiency in at least one coding language (Python, Matlab, etc)
  • Experience with 3D modeling software and PLM (Siemens NX, Teamcenter, etc.)
  • Ability to interpret CFD results and correlate them with experimental data.