Flight Sciences Engineer

Job Description:

·       Own vehicle performance modeling across hover, transition, and cruise: mission analysis, hybrid-electric energy management, climb optimization, and range/endurance trades

·       Build and maintain 6-DOF flight dynamics models for a lift+cruise configuration: aero database construction through the transition corridor, rotor-wing interaction modeling, stability derivatives, and trim analysis in hover, transition, and cruise

·       Contribute to vehicle design trades: feed flight sciences insight into OML shaping, drag reduction, control surface sizing, and flight controls architecture to close performance and handling qualities requirements

·       Derive external flight loads across the operational envelope and collaborate with the structures team to define limit and ultimate load cases, support fatigue analysis, and feed aeroelastic models

·       Support flight test planning, instrumentation requirements, and post-flight data reduction and analysis; correlate measured performance against analytical predictions

·       Build and improve simulation environments used for envelope expansion, handling qualities assessment, and controls development

·       Partner with propulsion and power teams to integrate hybrid-electric powertrain models into mission analysis; define power-required envelopes and binding constraints across the flight profile

·       Contribute to certification planning by authoring compliance analyses, performance substantiation reports, and supporting V&V documentation

Our Ideal Candidate:
·       B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

·       5+ years of meaningful hands-on experience in flight sciences, vehicle performance, or flight dynamics

·       Proficiency in vehicle performance modeling: energy-based methods, point-mass and full 6-DOF simulation, power-required/available analysis

·       Experience building or working with aerodynamic databases and stability derivative sets for flight simulation or loads analysis

·       Familiarity with flight test methods: test card development, FTI requirements, data reduction, and prediction-to-flight correlation

·       Strong programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB for analysis, post-processing, and tool development

·       Solid understanding of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or hybrid lift+cruise vehicle aeromechanics

·       Working proficiency with aerodynamic analysis tools across fidelity levels — from low-order methods (panel codes, blade element, XFOIL) through mid-fidelity (RANS CFD): sufficient to set up runs, interpret results, and interface with dedicated CFD engineers

·       Clear technical communication skills: able to distill complex analysis into concise summaries for engineering and program leadership

Bonus Points For:
·       Direct experience with eVTOL, tiltrotor, or lift+cruise configurations — including transition corridor analysis, transition schedule definition, and rotor-wing aerodynamic interaction

·       Background in hybrid-electric propulsion performance modeling: energy management strategy, battery sizing trades, and BSFC/TSFC integration into mission analysis

·       Experience designing internal flows, including ducting, intakes, and cooling flows

·       Rotor and/or propeller design experience

·       Handling qualities assessment experience using ADS-33 or FAA/EASA equivalents

·       Exposure to flight simulation environments: JSBSim, Simulink/FlightGear, or equivalent

·       Experience with certification under FAA Part 23, Part 27, or EASA SC-VTOL frameworks

·       Background in aeroelastics or structural loads as they relate to flight envelope definition

What We Offer:
·       Competitive salary

·       Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced aerospace company

·       Comprehensive medical benefits

·       401(k) with company contribution + Roth IRA

·       Free daily lunch provided onsite

·       Flexible time-off policy

·       3 months of paid parental leave

·       Employee assistance program with 24/7 support

·       High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy

·       Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement

·       You’ll work with a motivated, kind, and highly skilled team