Aerodynamics Specialist

Our team is seeking an experienced Aerodynamics Specialist to lead the design and integration of aerodynamically efficient payloads for high-performance optical wireless power receivers. As a key member of our R&D team, you will be responsible for developing novel aerodynamic systems that meet demanding performance requirements in highly constrained environments.

This role combines deep technical expertise with hands-on build, testing, and validation. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to turn first-principles insights into practical solutions that keep our UAVs flying further, faster, and cooler.

• Design, manufacture, assembly, and validation of custom aerodynamic components to integrate within an off-the-shelf fixed wing UAV platform.
  
• Perform CFD simulations and physical tests to evaluate aerodynamic performance of payload integration, inform and iterate on thermal design and payload integration.
  
• Develop efficient methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic simulation models of various fidelity.
  
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineers to contribute to an integrated fixed-wing design meeting challenging aerodynamic and thermal requirements.
  
• Contribute to the design of novel thermal systems to optimize heat transfer, packaging, and weight of an integrated thermal solution.
  
• Hands-on building/modification of fixed-wing UAVs, integrating custom aerodynamic components into airframe to support R&D.
  
• Perform mixed thermal/fluid simulations to validate thermal design performance in representative airflow conditions.
  
• Engage with suppliers/manufacturers to rapidly bring-up R&D components.
  
• Design and manufacture test-rigs to validate aerodynamic and thermal performance of designed components and off-the-shelf components.
  
• Document and communicate technical information clearly to support company-wide understanding.
  
• Act as subject matter expert and work with cross-functional teams to inform a holistic design approach.
  
• Draw from engineering principles to provide solutions that push engineering boundaries.
  
• Balance competing requirements in a large cross-functional project with many moving parts.

• Foundational knowledge in aerodynamics principles and core design considerations for fixed-wing aircraft.
  
• Strong proficiency with CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM).
  
• Experience using lower-order aerodynamic tools alongside CFD analysis and optimization.
  
• Experience in high-speed flow regimes or external aerodynamics.
  
• Experience with weight-sensitive design and mass optimization techniques.
  
• Strong mechanical engineering skills (GD&T, DFM, DFA) and CAD experience with surface modelling (SolidWorks, OnShape).
  
• Strong understanding of thermal management, heat exchangers, cooling systems, and high-power component thermal design.
  
• Strong analytical and practical hands-on fabrication skills.
  
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis/engineering calculations (Python, MATLAB).