To conceptualize, design, analyze, and validate fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or hybrid unmanned aircraft systems. This role bridges the gap between initial mission requirements and the physical aircraft, ensuring optimized aerodynamics, performance, structural integrity, and overall flight safety.
Lifecycle Position: Involved across the entire product development cyclefrom translating high-level mission needs into trade studies, down to supporting prototype fabrication and real-world flight testing.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
Configuration & Sizing: Developing early aircraft layouts (wings, fuselage, control surfaces, payload integration) and executing sizing, mass properties estimation, and center-of-gravity (CG) tracking.
Engineering Analysis: Predicting critical performance metrics (takeoff, cruise, endurance, service ceiling, stall speeds) and conducting aerodynamic and structural evaluation via CFD and FEA methods.
Materials & CAD Modeling: Selecting optimized airfoils and structural materials while maintaining master 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical data.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interfacing daily with propulsion, avionics, embedded systems, and manufacturing teams to optimize Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA).
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering with at least 3 years of relevant hands-on aircraft or UAV design experience.
Technical Software Suite: Proficiency in standard CAD suites (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX) and engineering analysis platforms (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, OpenFOAM, XFLR5, MATLAB/Simulink).
Domain Competencies: Deep understanding of fluid/flight mechanics, aircraft structural layouts, and load paths. Preferred familiarity with composite design, electric/hybrid propulsion configurations, and aviation standards.
Mindset & Soft Skills: Systems-level thinker with excellent documentation habits, high attention to detail, and a willingness to get hands-on during prototype assembly and field-range flight testing.