Aerodynamics Engineer, Modeling and Optimization

What you’ll do:

• Perform low/mid/high fidelity aerodynamic simulations of Archer eVTOL aircraft
• Develop linear/non-linear aerodynamic models to predict aircraft behavior and performance throughout the flight envelope
• Analyze experimental data (either from flight test or wind tunnel) to identify sources of model errors, validate, and improve aerodynamic models of the vehicle
• Develop efficient methods to feed flight test data back into aerodynamic simulation models of various fidelity and complexity
• Contribute to the development of Archer aerodynamic software stack, improving methods and workflows
• Coordinate with other cross-functional teams and pilots for flight simulator aerodynamic modeling updates and issue resolution

What you need:

• BS / MS / PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• 2+ years of experience with BS, or 1+ years of experience with MS, or 1+ years of experience with PhD modeling rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL aerodynamics at full-vehicle level
• Strong understanding of fundamentals of fixed-wing and rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance, stability & control
• Experience in eVTOL and/or multicopter vehicle aerodynamics design and analysis, including 6 DoF vehicle trimming and trajectory optimization
• Experience with gradient-based and gradient-free optimization techniques
• Experience with surrogate modeling techniques (like Kriging methods) and statistical analysis
• Experience with experimental data processing and reduction techniques
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Experience with software development, object-oriented, version control best practices, as well as Git, CICD, Conda
• Excellent work planning and issue resolution skills
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in groups and individually
• Experience in a fast-paced design environment

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with developing, training, and optimizing neural networks or other machine learning models in the context of aerodynamic modeling
• Experience with wind tunnel and flight test campaigns planning, execution, and data processing, ideally matured on rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL program
• Work experience with rotorcraft comprehensive analysis tools, such as RCAS or CAMRAD2
• Work experience with NASA Overflow and Fun3D CFD software, including meshing
• Experience utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) to parallelize workflows
• Familiarity with conventional airplane Part 23/25 or rotorcraft Part 27/29 certification basis and test methods
• Familiarity with ASTM standards for fixed wing and rotorcraft
• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, and Fortran/C++ coding

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $140,000 - $190,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.