About Zipline

You’ll be joining a team of aerodynamicists who are responsible for the aerodynamic design and performance of our aircraft. We don’t just analyze existing designs: we take ownership of every relevant detail from concept through to production and operations. You will be building and leveraging a combination of analytical, simulation and experimental tools to drive the design forward, working closely with cross-functional teams including mechanical designers, controls engineers, systems engineers, test engineers, quality control engineers, weather analysts and others. If you are passionate about aerodynamic design, well-organized and highly motivated by solving difficult challenges this role will be a great fit for you.

What You'll Do

• Clean sheet and existing vehicle design analysis including aerodynamic, propulsion, and power system performance
• Low and high fidelity analytical modeling of vehicle subsystems
• Aerodynamic database generation and analysis
• Multivariate trade studies regarding system design, and presentation of results
• Flight test planning, execution and data analysis
• Support multidisciplinary team including controls, mechanical, production, software, and electrical engineers to tackle design challenges and resolve time sensitive issues

What You'll Bring

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: 
  • vehicle configuration design and analysis
  • propeller design
  • aerodynamic database generation
  • complex geometry aerodynamic design and analysis
  • aeroacoustics
• Strong understanding and experience with one or more of the following toolsets:
  • Low and high fidelity aerodynamic modeling codes, such as XFOIL, MSES, AVL, ASWING, XROTOR, BEMT, XFLR5, RCAS, and/or OpenVSP
  • Continuum-or lattice boltzmann based computational fluid dynamics, such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, OpenFOAM, and/or PowerFLOW
  • Wind tunnel test identification, planning, execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis using a variety of electro-mechanical and optical diagnostic techniques
  • Flight test planning for system identification and simulation validation, cross functional planning, test execution, and data analysis
  • MATLAB, Python, Julia, C/C++
  • CAD advanced surfacing tools, such as CATIA or NX
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations
• Familiarity with autopilot and flight control design is desirable

What Else You Need To Know

Must have work authorization to work in the US.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!