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Atropos Group · 4 months ago

Principal Aerodynamicist

Arlington, VA, Mountain View, CA, San Diego, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$195K/yr - $255K/yr

7+ years exp

Atropos is a combat-tested group of engineers focused on delivering autonomous airpower for national security. They are seeking a Principal Aerodynamicist to lead aerodynamic design and analysis for a long-range autonomous air vehicle, collaborating with various teams to optimize performance and support flight tests.

Defense & Space

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

Responsibilities

Lead aerodynamic design, analysis, and wind-tunnel/CFD correlation for a clean-sheet, long-range autonomous air vehicle

Optimize planform, airfoil, and high-lift devices to maximize range and payload while meeting survivability constraints

Create rapid-iteration tools and templates for sizing trades

Collaborate daily with GNC, Flight Controls, and Structures IPTs to mature configuration through CoDR/PDR/CDR

Support flight-test envelope expansion and post-flight data reduction

Qualification

CFD expertiseAerospace EngineeringWind-tunnel testingFirst-principles analysisAI-enabled designLow observables experienceCross-functional collaboration

Required

M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent) with ≥ 7 yrs relevant experience

Deep expertise in CFD (e.g., SU2, Fluent, OVERFLOW), panel methods, and wind-tunnel test design

Demonstrated history of hands-on, first-principles analysis in rapid-development programs

Ability to convey complex results to cross-functional audiences

Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Preferred

Prior LO (low observables) signature shaping experience

Experience coupling aerodynamics with AI-enabled design-of-experiments workflows

Benefits

Platinum Healthcare Benefits: Atropos offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums and little to no cost to you

Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents

Unlimited PTO, with minimum of 15 days enforced

20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition

Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting

Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well

Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses

Daily Lunch catered

Company-funded child care stipend

Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.

Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).

401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). 6% employer matching contribution