What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aerodynamic Engineer II position at Cirrus?
Job Summary
The Aerodynamics Engineer works closely with the Advanced Design & Development group to support data reduction, analysis, and design activities for both existing and conceptual aircraft. Core responsibilities include preliminary configuration and layout studies, aircraft performance analysis, stability and control evaluations, flying qualities assessments, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), structural loads development, and weight estimation.
Aerodynamicists collaborate with the product development team throughout the entire design lifecycle of an aircraft or aircraft modification. Early in the program, the aerodynamicist guides the external geometry (lofts) and overall layout of the new configuration. They generate performance predictions and structural load estimates for airframe designers and analysts.
During experimental flight testing, the aerodynamicist provides test planning, on-site support, data reduction, and interpretation of results and aircraft characteristics. At the conclusion of the program, they prepare certification documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable federal regulations.
Successful candidates are highly motivated, proactive, and eager to master new technical skills with minimal supervision. They must be capable of delivering high‑quality work at the appropriate level of detail while balancing schedule, technical, and program requirements.
Duties And Responsibilities/Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.
Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The Aerodynamics Engineer works closely with the Advanced Design & Development group to support data reduction, analysis, and design activities for both existing and conceptual aircraft. Core responsibilities include preliminary configuration and layout studies, aircraft performance analysis, stability and control evaluations, flying qualities assessments, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), structural loads development, and weight estimation.
Aerodynamicists collaborate with the product development team throughout the entire design lifecycle of an aircraft or aircraft modification. Early in the program, the aerodynamicist guides the external geometry (lofts) and overall layout of the new configuration. They generate performance predictions and structural load estimates for airframe designers and analysts.
During experimental flight testing, the aerodynamicist provides test planning, on-site support, data reduction, and interpretation of results and aircraft characteristics. At the conclusion of the program, they prepare certification documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable federal regulations.
Successful candidates are highly motivated, proactive, and eager to master new technical skills with minimal supervision. They must be capable of delivering high‑quality work at the appropriate level of detail while balancing schedule, technical, and program requirements.
Duties And Responsibilities/Essential Functions
- Perform preliminary configuration and layout of a new aircraft.
- Provide preliminary performance estimates. Provide design guidance for slow speed handling characteristics
- Provide estimates for airplane performance such as cruise speed, stall speed, rate of climb, take-off and landing distances, etc. Estimate the effect of design changes on airplane performance.
- Support developmental flight testing. Troubleshoot and implement solutions for aerodynamic short comings such as drag, cooling, stability and control, and slow speed handling.
- Reduce flight test data to extract meaningful data and present it clearly. Determine what test points are required for the analysis.
- Provide system instrumentation location and flow field measurement error estimates and necessary corrections.
- Provide external flow analysis to assist in the aerodynamic design of new airplanes and modifications to existing airplanes.
- Track and estimate weight and center of gravity for existing and conceptual airplanes. Use this knowledge of the distributed mass of the airplane to compute inertial loads on the airplane.
- Provide structural loads in support of structural substantiation.
- Write Part 23 compliance reports for the structural loads of the airplane.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- S. in Aerospace Engineering required, M.S. preferred.
- 2-4 years of experience.
- Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint.
- Proficient in computer programming (Fortran, Python, and VBA desired).
- Familiar with engineering drawings, CAD software, Linux OS, and scripting languages.
- Proficient in CFD mesh generation, CFD analysis, and C, D post-processing software, preferred.
- Exposure to Part 23 and/or Part 25 federal regulations, preferred.
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Drives Results: Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
- Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes, contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
- Cultivates Innovation: Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
- Resourcefulness: Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently.
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
- Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
- Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
- Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
- Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
- Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.
Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.