Senior Aerodynamicist

Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.

Mach Industries is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Aerodynamicist to lead the aerodynamic design and optimization efforts across various vehicle platforms, including air-breathing aircraft and missiles. This role involves not only technical expertise but also leadership in shaping aerodynamic strategy and driving innovation in vehicle performance. The ideal candidate will have a deep mastery of aerodynamic principles and a proven track record in delivering advanced designs that meet stringent performance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Aerodynamic Analysis: Oversee and conduct advanced analyses of airflow and its impact on vehicle performance, guiding the team in gaining critical insights into aerodynamic behaviors.

• Vehicle-Level Design Leadership: Drive vehicle design from first principles, utilizing hand calculations and iterative analysis to ground new programs. Lead design efforts across air-breathing aircraft, high/low-speed glide vehicles, and missiles.

• Optimization and Design Leadership: Lead the optimization of vehicle shapes using a combination of hand calculations, advanced simulations, and physical testing. Focus on reducing drag, improving performance, and ensuring aerodynamic efficiency.

• Performance Enhancement Strategy: Collaborate closely with engineering teams to lead the improvement of vehicle performance metrics, including speed, fuel efficiency, stability, and maneuverability. Propose solutions to optimize these characteristics.

• Test Campaign Leadership: Guide and oversee real-world flight testing campaigns. Lead the analysis of test results and recalibration of designs, ensuring continuous improvement and readiness for product shipment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Serve as the aerodynamic lead, working with engineers across multiple disciplines, such as mass properties, structural analysis, and subsystem performance. Ensure integration of aerodynamic considerations into overall product designs.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience as an aerodynamicist, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Proven leadership experience in aerodynamic analysis, design, and optimization, particularly in an industry setting.

• High proficiency in computational tools and advanced simulation software, with the ability to guide and mentor junior team members.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and deliver complex projects on time.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Exceptional communication skills for leading teams and collaborating across departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mastery of tools such as: missile datcom, xfoil, open vsp, xflr5, star-ccm+, ansys fluent.

• Significant hands-on experience in a startup or defense sector environment.

• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering projects.

• Track record of delivering products within the aerospace or defense industry.

Ideal Candidate:

A dynamic, experienced Senior Aerodynamicist who thrives in leadership roles, excels at solving complex engineering challenges, and is highly skilled in cross-functional collaboration. Comfortable working in fast-paced, innovative environments, with a passion for mentoring and guiding teams toward success.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total