What is an Aerodynamics Engineer Job?
An aerodynamics engineer job involves designing, testing, and analyzing aircraft, spacecraft, or other various vehicles to determine their aerodynamic performance. These engineers utilize their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and aerodynamics to ensure that these vehicles are safe and efficient to operate.
What usually do in this position?
Aerodynamics engineers work on a variety of tasks, including designing and testing aircraft models in wind tunnels, analyzing data collected during flight tests, and creating computer simulations to predict how a vehicle will perform under certain conditions. They also work on improving the overall efficiency of aircraft and spacecraft, reducing drag and increasing lift.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Knowledge of physics, mathematics, and aerodynamics
- Ability to think creatively and outside the box
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become an aerodynamics engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Some employers may prefer a master's degree or Ph.D. in aerospace engineering or a related field. You will also need to gain experience through internships or entry-level positions to develop your skills.
Average Salary
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an aerodynamics engineer in the United States is around $100,000 per year.
Roles and Types
Aerodynamics engineers can work in a variety of roles and industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, and wind energy. Some common job titles for aerodynamics engineers include aerodynamicist, flight test engineer, wind tunnel engineer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engineer.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
Aerodynamics engineering jobs can be found in many locations throughout the United States. Some of the most popular cities for these jobs include Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; and Dayton, OH.
What are the Typical Tools
Aerodynamics engineers use a variety of tools to perform their job duties, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, wind tunnels, flight simulators, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. They also use various types of sensors and measurement equipment to collect data during flight tests and wind tunnel experiments.
In Conclusion
Aerodynamics engineering is a highly specialized field that requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. With the right education and experience, however, you can become a highly skilled aerodynamics engineer and work on exciting projects in the aerospace, defense, automotive, or wind energy industries.