Aerodynamics Engineer

Location: Costa Mesa, CA (Onsite) or Long Beach, CA or Columbus, OH
Work Type: Contract-to-Hire (6+ months)
Category: Engineering
Travel: Required

Rate- $60-70/hr +++++  

About the Role

Join a high-impact engineering team responsible for the design and integration of advanced propulsion and aerodynamic systems for next-generation air vehicles and missile platforms. This role spans the full development lifecycle—from concept through integration and flight testing—focused on delivering high-performance, scalable systems in demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of aircraft engines, propulsion components, and fuel systems
• Design, prototype, and test mechanical and propulsion system components
• Plan and execute propulsion and aerodynamic testing, including instrumentation and validation
• Collaborate with engine vendors and manage external partnerships
• Support flight tests and hardware demonstrations
• Contribute to CAD design for aerodynamic surfaces, structures, and internal layouts
• Travel to test and integration sites as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned)
• Experience with jet engines (1,000–20,000 lbf thrust class)
• Strong understanding of jet engine fundamentals and cycle analysis
• Experience testing engines or powertrain components
• Proficiency in mechanical design and CAD (surface lofting)
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, composites, additive, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering field
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NX / Teamcenter
• Hands-on jet engine testing (instrumentation, data analysis, test practices)
• Familiarity with Engine Management Systems (EMS)
• Machine shop experience and part procurement
• Active U.S. Secret clearance

Additional Skills (Aerodynamics)

• 3–5+ years of aerodynamics engineering experience
• Broad experience across aero/thermal analysis for air vehicles
• Exposure to supersonic or hypersonic flight regimes (preferred)
• Experience with Star-CCM+ or similar CFD tools