Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.
About the Role
Whisper Aero is seeking a propulsion engineer experienced with the aerodynamic design of compressors and/or fans at the conceptual and preliminary levels. The candidate must demonstrate high proficiency in the following areas:
- Fundamentals:
- Aerodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Propulsion
- Thermodynamics
- Object-oriented programming (Python preferred)
- Design and optimization
Additional areas of relevant expertise include:
- Software development
- Airfoil/cascade design
- Aeroacoustics
- Parametric geometry generation
- CAD
- Low-mid fidelity aero/propulsion analysis tools
- CFD
- Propulsion integration
What You’ll Do
- Support the design of Whisper Aero’s propulsion technology. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Continued development of Whisper Aero’s proprietary fan design software.
- Conceptual and preliminary aerodynamic design of electric ducted fans, including design space exploration of high-level propulsive characteristics, optimization of detailed cascade geometry, and aerodynamic shaping of duct, centerbody, and other components, all subject to product requirements and manufacturing constraints.
- Validation and calibration of performance models against CFD and test results.
- Documentation and maintenance of design and performance artifacts.
- Continued innovation of fan designs and design processes.
- Participation in design reviews, interviews, and proposal writing
Basic Qualifications
- U.S. Person status is required, as this position may access export-controlled data
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or relevant technical discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 2 years of related experience, or PhD in similar disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience with the aerodynamic design of compressors and/or fans
- High proficiency in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, propulsion, and thermodynamics
- Experience with the design and optimization of compressors and/or fans at conceptual and preliminary stages
- Expertise in object-oriented programming (Python preferred)
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- A willingness to work on tasks outside your primary job functions
- Familiarity with AI tools (not just ChatGPT, Claude, or an AI notetaker).
Bonus Qualifications
- Familiarity with electric ducted fan design and optimization processes
- Knowledge of manufacturing constraints for aerodynamic components
- Experience with:
- Airfoil/cascade design
- Aeroacoustics
- Parametric geometry generation and CAD tools.
- Low to mid fidelity aero/propulsion analysis tools
- Propulsion system integration
- Understanding of software development practices
- Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
- PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
- Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life
- End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
- We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional Development Stipend
Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Skills Required
- U.S. Person status due to potential access to export-controlled data
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a relevant technical discipline with at least 4 years of related experience
- Master’s degree in a similar discipline with at least 2 years of related experience
- PhD in a similar discipline
- Demonstrated experience designing compressors and/or fans
- High proficiency in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, propulsion, and thermodynamics
- Experience designing and optimizing compressors and/or fans at conceptual and preliminary stages
- Expertise in object-oriented programming, preferably Python
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Willingness to work on tasks outside primary job functions
- Familiarity with AI tools
- Familiarity with electric ducted fan design and optimization
- Knowledge of manufacturing constraints for aerodynamic components
- Experience with airfoil/cascade design
- Experience with aeroacoustics
- Experience with parametric geometry generation and CAD tools
- Experience with low- to mid-fidelity aero/propulsion analysis tools
- Experience with propulsion system integration
- Understanding of software development practices
What We Do
Whisper Aero is a next-generation electric propulsion company developing ultra-quiet, efficient thrust systems for drones, aircraft, and electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles. Its technologies address the noise, safety, performance, and cost limitations of conventional open-rotor propulsion, enabling cleaner air mobility and air-moving products. The company also develops and tests electric propulsors for commercial, civil, and defense applications in Tennessee, with a mission to deliver electric thrust at scale.
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