Scaled engineering doesn’t tend toward specialization – when you’re constantly dealing with problems never previously encountered it helps to have range and flexibility. That said, aerodynamics is at the core of designing new aircraft. And it’s a tricky enough subject that we explicitly look for Aerodynamicist candidates who have both the desire and knowledge base to approach it as a specialist career path.
An aerodynamicist at Scaled is typically involved in aircraft design from the conceptual phase onward. Using a combination of empirical methods (hand calcs, drag buildup, tail volume sizing) and computational methods (Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), 2D airfoil codes, etc.), they will work with the other engineering disciplines to develop an aircraft configuration and Outer Mold Line (OML) that meets the needs of the program. From there, work on control surface sizing, stability & control, hinge moments, inlet and exhaust design, aeroelastic stability (flutter), aircraft performance, and additional details all fall to the aerodynamicist to influence or own.
As the design tasks taper off our aerodynamicists typically remain involved, developing relevant ground and flight tests to demonstrate acceptable vehicle behaviors and to characterize the capabilities and limitations of the vehicle in flight. This becomes a Subject Matter Expert (SME) role as flight test begins, often working both live in the control room as well as performing post-flight data reduction to ensure safe and efficient test execution and progression.
Category: Engineering
Location: Mojave, CA
Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship
Clearance Type: Secret
Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule
Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available
Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching
About Scaled
Founded by visionary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites has been in the business of Designing, Building, and Flying unique airplanes and spacecraft for over 40 years. We are a modestly sized company, constantly building small teams of empowered and capable employees to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in aerospace. From the farthest (Global Flyer), to the largest (Stratolaunch), to the highest (SpaceShipOne, Proteus), and many in between, Scaled’s track record of innovation has pushed against and expanded some of the most stubborn corners of the flight envelope.
We honor that legacy today by doing what we’ve always done - seeking out the hardest problems in aerospace and having fun while solving them. With an average of a new design first flight for every year of our existence, there is no better place to practice the arts and science of new aircraft development than here at Scaled.
Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Completing a variety of conceptual design studies in a thorough, imaginative, and practical manner.
Analyzing aerodynamic loads, performance, stability, and control using empirical methods, hand calculations, vortex lattice codes, CFD, and flight test data.
CFD setup and analysis of internal and external flow and post processing of associated solutions.
Employing a pilot-in-the-loop simulator to conduct performance and handling qualities evaluations.
Documenting analysis for review and future reference, working on multiple programs.
Supporting flight test planning, execution, data reduction, and aircraft modifications.
Required Qualifications
Complete understanding of fluid dynamic technical principles and design/analysis methods
Thorough understanding of aircraft sizing, performance, and stability and control
Strong problem solving, organizational, and communication skills, both written and verbal
Strong team player
Strong knowledge of aerospace technologies and products
Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering from an accredited institution
Proficiency in 3D CAD, with capabilities in surfacing / lofting
Ability to work in multiple engineering disciplines on an aggressive schedule
Additional degrees or additional relevant work experience
Essential Job Functions
Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach
May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials (Ground Power Units, fuel bowsers, small aircraft) with a force up to 30 pounds
Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard, test equipment, avionics)
Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen, flight displays)
Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time
Ability to write for extended periods of time
Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, test hardware, etc.
Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
Ability to converse and communicate information with others
Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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