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ForeFlight

Performance Engineer

ForeFlight, Austin, Texas, us, 78716

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Performance Engineer at Jeppesen ForeFlight

The Aircraft Performance Engineer will play a key role in advancing the design, validation, and deployment of aircraft performance models and algorithms that power Jeppesen ForeFlight’s next generation of flight efficiency capabilities. This position combines aircraft performance expertise with modern software development practices. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across engineering disciplines — from aerodynamic modeling to data pipelines and API integration.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, calibrate, and validate aircraft performance models using manufacturer data, flight test results, and recorded flight data

Analyze aerodynamic, propulsion, and weight characteristics to quantify performance across all flight phases

Derive and optimize algorithms that translate aircraft performance parameters into actionable flight guidance

Collaborate with software engineers and data scientists to integrate performance models into production systems and applications

Contribute to data interface specifications, API design, and service‑level requirements for aircraft performance services

Ensure model implementations are computationally efficient, scalable, and consistent with operational accuracy standards

Analyze flight data (QAR/FDR) to identify trends, anomalies, and performance deviations

Develop and maintain scripts and tools to process and visualize large flight datasets

Perform statistical validation of model outputs using empirical flight data and automated regression testing

Develop and execute verification test plans for new or updated aircraft performance models

Document assumptions, inputs, limitations, and validation results for internal review and audit

Collaborate with product, QA, and customer teams to ensure high confidence and traceability of performance results

Partner with cross‑functional teams in flight operations, data science, and mobile development to align model outputs with operational use cases

Communicate complex technical findings clearly to stakeholders of varying technical backgrounds

Serve as an internal subject matter expert on aircraft performance and flight efficiency

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience

5–10 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering, flight physics, or operational analysis

Strong understanding of aerodynamic theory, propulsion performance, weight and balance, and flight mechanics

Experience working with aircraft manufacturer documentation such as AFM, FCOM, and FPPM

Proficiency with Python for numerical modeling, data analysis, and automation (NumPy, pandas, SciPy)

Experience handling and analyzing recorded flight data (QAR, FDR, or similar formats)

Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and collaborative software development practices

Strong communication skills and an ability to work effectively in a multi‑disciplinary environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience building or maintaining software components in a cloud environment (AWS preferred)

Familiarity with API‑based architectures, including REST or GraphQL

Knowledge of data pipeline tools (e.g., AWS Glue, Lambda, Step Functions, or Airflow)

Exposure to TypeScript or JavaScript for integration testing, automation, or visualization purposes

Understanding of PostgreSQL or other relational databases for storing model parameters or flight data

Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins)

Knowledge of airline operations, cost index theory, and flight optimization principles

Experience working at an airline in a performance engineering role

Experience contributing to or consuming mobile application services (Swift or Kotlin) is a plus

Pilot or aviation enthusiast

About Jeppesen ForeFlight Jeppesen ForeFlight is a leading provider of innovative aviation software solutions, serving the Commercial, Business, Military, and General Aviation sectors globally. Combining Jeppesen’s 90‑year legacy of accurate aeronautical data with ForeFlight’s expertise in cutting‑edge aviation technology, the company delivers an integrated suite of tools designed to enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and sharpen decision‑making.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance with Employer paid health premiums

Open PTO Policy

401(k) with up to 10% company matching and immediate vesting

12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave

4 Weeks Paid Paternity Leave

Flight Training Rewards

Tuition Stipend

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well market and business considerations: Summary Pay Range: $110,000–$140,000

Jeppesen ForeFlight – EOE including Disability/Vets | Pay Transparency | E-Verify Participant

Location: Austin, TX

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