Zone 5 Technologies
San Luis Obispo, California; United States
At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting‑edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology—solving complex challenges that matter.
We are seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Flight Sciences team. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in aerodynamics for advanced UAVs and drive the aerodynamic design, analysis, and optimization of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Key Responsibilities
Perform aerodynamic design and analysis of a wide range of UAS systems.
Conduct low, mid, or high fidelity CFD simulations to assess aerodynamic or mechanical designs and predict aircraft aerodynamic performance and stability.
Develop and validate aerodynamic models using combinations of CFD, wind‑tunnel testing, and/or flight‑test data.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (structures, propulsion, controls, systems engineering) to integrate aerodynamic insights into the overall design.
Assist in the development of flight‑test plans and post‑flight data analysis.
Prepare technical reports and design documentation.
Present findings to key stakeholders and our customers.
Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship. Security clearance (or eligibility) is a strong plus.
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related field (strongly preferred).
3‑5 years of professional work in aerodynamics for aircraft, UAVs, or a similar field.
Proficiency with lower or mid‑fidelity aerodynamic modeling tools (panel methods, vortex lattice, lifting line, particle methods).
Experience with Navier‑Stokes CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR‑CCM+, OpenFOAM, Cart3D, Chimera, Fun3D, or Overflow) and mesh generation.
Data visualization experience with MATLAB, Python, Tecplot, ParaView, etc.
Experience with code‑review environments (git) and object‑oriented languages (Python, Java, etc.).
Industrial wind‑tunnel testing experience (model design, instrumentation, data reduction).
Applied knowledge of incompressible, compressible, and high‑speed aerodynamics.
Preferred Qualifications
Missile aerodynamics (lift/drag prediction, control authority).
Applied stability & control theory, flight dynamics, performance analysis.
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) tools for aircraft design and performance analysis.
Flight testing, telemetry analysis, SysID, and‑or real‑time simulation environments.
Knowledge of aerodynamics loads generation, dynamics, and aeroelastic responses.
Familiarity with turbomachinery in aerodynamic and vehicle design.
Pay range: $120,000 – $145,000 USD
What's in it for you
Comprehensive benefit package: medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401(k) with company match.
4 weeks of paid time off each year.
12 annual company holidays.
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative environment: Work on cutting‑edge technology shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
Collaborative culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Career growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid‑west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Zone 5 Technologies is an equal‑opportunity employer and provides an inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. All applicants must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment‑eligibility verification form upon hire. As a federal contractor, Zone 5 Technologies participates in E‑Verify.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting‑edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology—solving complex challenges that matter.
We are seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Flight Sciences team. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in aerodynamics for advanced UAVs and drive the aerodynamic design, analysis, and optimization of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Key Responsibilities
Perform aerodynamic design and analysis of a wide range of UAS systems.
Conduct low, mid, or high fidelity CFD simulations to assess aerodynamic or mechanical designs and predict aircraft aerodynamic performance and stability.
Develop and validate aerodynamic models using combinations of CFD, wind‑tunnel testing, and/or flight‑test data.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (structures, propulsion, controls, systems engineering) to integrate aerodynamic insights into the overall design.
Assist in the development of flight‑test plans and post‑flight data analysis.
Prepare technical reports and design documentation.
Present findings to key stakeholders and our customers.
Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship. Security clearance (or eligibility) is a strong plus.
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related field (strongly preferred).
3‑5 years of professional work in aerodynamics for aircraft, UAVs, or a similar field.
Proficiency with lower or mid‑fidelity aerodynamic modeling tools (panel methods, vortex lattice, lifting line, particle methods).
Experience with Navier‑Stokes CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR‑CCM+, OpenFOAM, Cart3D, Chimera, Fun3D, or Overflow) and mesh generation.
Data visualization experience with MATLAB, Python, Tecplot, ParaView, etc.
Experience with code‑review environments (git) and object‑oriented languages (Python, Java, etc.).
Industrial wind‑tunnel testing experience (model design, instrumentation, data reduction).
Applied knowledge of incompressible, compressible, and high‑speed aerodynamics.
Preferred Qualifications
Missile aerodynamics (lift/drag prediction, control authority).
Applied stability & control theory, flight dynamics, performance analysis.
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) tools for aircraft design and performance analysis.
Flight testing, telemetry analysis, SysID, and‑or real‑time simulation environments.
Knowledge of aerodynamics loads generation, dynamics, and aeroelastic responses.
Familiarity with turbomachinery in aerodynamic and vehicle design.
Pay range: $120,000 – $145,000 USD
What's in it for you
Comprehensive benefit package: medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401(k) with company match.
4 weeks of paid time off each year.
12 annual company holidays.
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative environment: Work on cutting‑edge technology shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
Collaborative culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Career growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid‑west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Zone 5 Technologies is an equal‑opportunity employer and provides an inclusive workplace. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. All applicants must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment‑eligibility verification form upon hire. As a federal contractor, Zone 5 Technologies participates in E‑Verify.
#J-18808-Ljbffr