Lead Engineer II - Aerodynamics (P07541)

• Plan, accomplish, lead and support activities involving aerodynamic sizing of fixed wing UAVs in the conceptual design phase. The activities include but not limited to the following:
  • Perform market survey and constraint analysis
  • Select an aerofoil and planform for the UAV
  • Size the UAV external geometry and evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics using lower order tools
  • Estimate the performance and evaluate the stability

• Perform and support activities of aerodynamic evaluation of fixed wing UAVs during the preliminary design phase
  • Plan and execute tasks
  • Carry out the design trade studies
  • Generate aerodynamic data required to support other systems like Flight controls, avionics systems, etc.
  • Perform optimisation studies on aerofoil or component of aircraft
  • Support activities involved in aeroelastic problems
  • Perform Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) simulations
  • Support activities involved in wind tunnel testing

• Perform CFD analyses of fixed wing UAVs to evaluate aerodynamic performance
  • Establish processes for conducting CFD analyses
  • Model geometry for CFD analyses in a CAD tool
  • Prepare geometry for CFD analyses from CAD geometry
  • Generate good quality grids
  • Generate results using appropriate solver settings with limited time frames and resources
  • Post-process the results and document the same in detail
  • Recommend suggestions to design team based on the results generated

This role focuses on aerodynamic sizing and performance evaluation for fixed-wing UAVs across conceptual and preliminary design. Work includes CFD analysis, design studies, simulation support, and communicating findings to the design team and connected engineering disciplines.

Role at a glance

Skills mentioned

What you will likely work on

• Survey market options and analyze design constraints for fixed-wing UAVs.
• Select airfoils and planforms, size external geometry, and assess aerodynamic characteristics during conceptual design.
• Estimate aircraft performance and evaluate stability.
• Plan and conduct preliminary-design aerodynamic evaluations, trade studies, and optimization work.
• Generate aerodynamic data for connected systems such as flight controls and avionics.
• Support aeroelasticity work, CHT simulations, and wind tunnel testing.
• Prepare and analyze CFD models, including CAD geometry, grids, solver runs, and detailed results documentation.
• Share analysis findings and design recommendations with the design team.

Good fit signals

• Has experience with aerodynamic analysis and design of fixed-wing UAVs.
• Can carry out conceptual and preliminary design evaluations, including performance and stability assessment.
• Can prepare geometry, generate grids, run CFD analyses, and document results within time and resource constraints.
• Is comfortable translating analysis into recommendations for a multidisciplinary design team.
• Has relevant exposure to optimization, aeroelasticity, CHT simulation, or wind tunnel testing.