ABOUT THE ROLE
MightyFly is looking for a seasoned aerodynamicist to join our small but highly capable team. This will be a staff level position overseeing and conducting all cradle to grave development relative to vehicle aerodynamics. Specific tasks will include conceptualization and brainstorming within a multidisciplinary team, detailed design, loft generation, and aero analysis of elements of experimental aircraft such as fuselages, wings, tails, control surfaces, air intakes, internal electrical cooling, parasitic elements, etc. Additional tasks will include developing aero databases and predicting aircraft performance. Candidates should have a strong mastery of fluid fundamentals tempered with an applied real world industry experience of best practices for small aircraft. The strongest candidates will have a mastery in one or more CFD packages and experience with wind tunnel models and flight test data correlation. The position includes the opportunity to advance into a lead role managing a growing team.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Contribute to conceptual and preliminary design efforts, including configuration studies and performance optimization with a focus on OML shaping.
- Analyze aircraft aerodynamic characteristics using tools of appropriate fidelity (e.g., AVL, XFOIL, XROTOR, CHARM, Fluent, STAR-CCM+).
- Collaborate with the airframe, manufacturing, electronics, software, and controls teams to ensure aerodynamic considerations are integrated throughout the design process.
- Develop aerodynamic databases and performance models for use in design trade studies, GNC simulations, and mission planning tools.
- Process and interpret flight test data to validate predictions and improve design maturation.
- Rapidly iterate and prototype aerodynamic surfaces and configurations, using both computational and hands-on methods.
- Participate in multidisciplinary reviews and contribute to airplane-level design decisions.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Technical
- Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering or Physics
- 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic analysis and aircraft design
- Understanding of multirotor and fixed-wing aerodynamics, vehicle sizing, and aircraft performance.
- Proficiency with aerodynamic simulation tools such as AVL, XFOIL, XROTOR, CHARM, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, etc.
- Proficiency with a Computer Aided Design package – CATIA, 3DX, SolidWorks, etc.
- Experience with MATLAB and Python for analysis and automation.
- Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
General
- A passion for building systems from the ground as a team
- Be a self-starter with the ability to work and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Appetit for innovation
- A can-do attitude for learning new things and applying them to solve complex problems.
Planning & Partnering
- Ability to plan and deliver on time
- Technical communication skills
- Organizational Skills
Nice to have
- Experience with general aviation, large UAVs, or VTOL aircraft
- Familiarity with aviation certification standards & processes
- Familiarity with aeroelastic analysis
- Familiarity with integration of propulsion systems
- Familiarity with electric and/or hybrid-electric propulsion architectures
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
MightyFly is only able to sponsor TN visas and H1B visa transfers for this position at the present time.
Equal opportunity
MightyFly is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Diversity
MightyFly values diversity and welcomes applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry. We are an international team led by a female CEO.
Job Location
- Bay Area.
- Work will be on site.
Culture
- We are aviation and aerospace enthusiasts who believe the sky is not the limit.
- Teamwork: We believe that to achieve great results we need great teamwork.
- Working hard: Building reliable aviation and logistics products is really hard but also exciting, challenging, and rewarding.
- Having fun: We believe that hard work needs to be coupled with fun. We love hanging out beyond the workday, hosting team dinners, and organizing fun activities. We love the outdoors and outdoor sports. And of course, we love flying.
- Celebrating wins large and small.
- Creativity. We love and encourage creativity. The best ideas emerge when our working environment fosters out-of-the-box thinking.
- Equity, inclusivity, and respect for the diversity of life and work experiences that each individual brings to the team.
- Transparency, honesty, and integrity.
Benefits
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401k Plan
- Commuter benefits
- Complementary in office meals and snacks
- Paid time off
- Stock option/equity plan