Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer
- Pay
- $120,000 – $170,000 per year
- Location
- San Diego, CA
- Listed
- 4 days ago
About the role
Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.
By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation
Work Summary
Natilus is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will conduct CFD analysis and support low- and high-speed wind tunnel testing. You will help lead aerodynamic optimization, vehicle design decisions, and performance prediction across the Natilus family of aircraft.
Main Responsibilities
- Set up and perform component and vehicle level CFD analyses.
- Author and release analysis reports.
- Planning, support, and execution of wind tunnel tests.
- Planning and support of aerodynamic design optimization studies.
- Perform comparative analyses of predicted aerodynamics with experimental and/or flight test data.
- Lead method and tool development and enhancement activities.
- Manage large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization with minimal oversight or direction.
- Strong understanding of Applied Aerodynamics theory is required.
- Strong understanding of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical methods.
Requirements & Qualifications
- A minimum of 7 years of directly related work experience
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering or equivalent work experience
- Experience performing aerodynamic analysis using CFD methods
- Proficiency with CFD tools (e.g., Fun3D, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or similar)
- Experience with low-speed and/or high-speed wind tunnel testing, including test planning and data reduction
- Understanding of aerodynamic theory, including subsonic and transonic flows
- Experience with aerodynamic optimization and design trade studies
- Ability to support vehicle performance prediction and design decision-making
- Familiarity with aircraft or vehicle configuration development and integration
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills
- Understanding of Part 23 requirements
Core Behaviors
- Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
- Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
- Lead by example and model expected behaviors
- Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities
Travel Requirements
Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $170,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and business needs.
Benefits & Perks
- Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
- Retirement Plan - 401k
- Unlimited PTO
- Onsite Gym Access
Please note: Recruiters will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information during the application phase
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
From Natilus's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 6, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer role at Natilus?
The Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer posting at Natilus states compensation of $120,000 – $170,000 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Natilus's official career site.
Where is the Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer job at Natilus located?
This Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer position at Natilus is located in San Diego, CA. Always check Natilus's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer position at Natilus?
This listing links directly to Natilus's Workable application page. You can apply directly on Natilus's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Workable application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.