About the job

Soaring Aerospace Inc. (SAI) is a venture-backed aerospace and defense technology company designing and manufacturing autonomous UAV systems for commercial applications and mission-critical defense logistics. Operating at the intersection of aerodynamics, propulsion, embedded systems, and autonomy, SAI partners with government agencies, defense organizations, and strategic customers to deploy advanced autonomous aircraft in high-reliability environments.

As an early-stage, high-growth aerospace company, SAI offers engineers the opportunity to take ownership of advanced UAV and rotorcraft development from concept through flight validation. This role is ideal for an experienced aeronautical engineer who thrives in hands-on design, modeling, and testing environments.

Key Responsibilities

Enhance, design, and optimize aerodynamic models, including propellers and fuselage outer mold line (OML)
Model full system performance, including payload, range, motors, battery configuration, and optimal airspeed
Conduct CFD simulations and aerodynamic analyses of propellers, aircraft configurations, and flow interaction studies using Luminary CFD
Model rotor performance using CHARM
Validate CHARM and CFD predictions using wind tunnel or flight test data
Design rotorcraft systems including power architecture, rotor and motor selection, rotor hub and variable pitch mechanisms, airframe geometry, structural layout, and energy system integration
Conduct motor and rotor characterization testing to ensure performance and design compliance
Evaluate control authority, stability, propulsive efficiency, and aerodynamic-structural trade-offs
Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to advance vehicles from concept to prototype
Produce clear technical reports, modeling documentation, and design presentations

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 6 years of experience in Aeronautical Engineering focused on drones or UAS platforms
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering, or related field
Strong understanding of aerodynamics, electric propulsion systems, and flight mechanics
Hands-on experience with rotorcraft aerodynamic modeling, including wake modeling, load analysis, free wake simulation, and performance prediction
Strong background in CFD, rotor aerodynamics, and multirotor physics
Experience with CAD tools and scripting
Experience working with common aerospace materials such as composites and aluminum alloys
Proven ability to analyze aircraft aerodynamic and propulsive performance
Experience preparing formal technical documentation including specifications, test procedures, reports, and engineering drawings

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Aerospace or related field
Experience with eVTOL or UAV design
Experience with CHARM, Luminary, Onshape, and Python
Experience with empirical aerodynamics testing, including propulsion bench testing (RC Benchmark) and wind tunnel testing
Familiarity with blade element momentum theory, vortex lattice methods, or actuator disk rotor models
Experience with flight testing or multirotor prototyping
Knowledge of control systems such as PX4 or flight simulation environments such as Gazebo

Compensation

$180,000
Discretionary performance-based bonus
Incentive Stock Options

Pay: $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Soaring Aerospace Inc.

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