Senior Aerodynamics CFD Engineer

The Executive Recruiter Group

Senior Aerodynamics CFD Engineer designing and optimizing aircraft components in Boulder, Colorado. Collaborating with teams for simulations, validating results, and mentoring junior engineers.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeBoulder • Colorado • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, loft and optimize components that affect the aircraft aerodynamics and outer mold line (OML).
Build models, clean CAD geometry, and generate computational meshes to run CFD simulations that:
Inform aircraft trade studies and configuration design decisions using appropriately fidelity levels.
Support aerodynamic design across all phases, from concept development through certification.
Develop and maintain high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction, external-loads analysis, and real-time six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations.
Correlate and validate CFD results against simulations of varying fidelity (e.g. cross-code comparisons, wind-tunnel testing, and flight-test data). Iterate models as new data becomes available.
Post-process and analyze simulation and test data. Summarize results in reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, as needed.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (performance, acoustics, loads, stability and control, control laws, systems, and instrumentation) to define simulation parameters and requirements, ensure model accuracy, and provide CFD expertise to guide design decisions.
Develop and improve the software methods, tools, and workflows that support aerodynamic modeling.
Support verification and validation activities that rely on model outputs (e.g., failure hazard assessments (FHAs)).
Train and mentor junior aerodynamics engineers.

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering or a related field
15+ years of experience with a B.S., 10+ years with an M.S., or 8+ years with a Ph.D. modeling subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics using CFD and validating results with wind-tunnel experiments
Expert-level knowledge of subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics; strong theoretical background in fluid mechanics and CFD
Experience with surface parameterization and aerodynamic shape optimization
Experience in turbulence modeling, boundary-layer transition, unsteady aerodynamics, and interference aerodynamics
Strong competence running NASA OVERFLOW and/or FUN3D CFD software (RANS flow solvers)
Proficiency in 3D surface and volume meshing using structured overset meshes and/or unstructured tetrahedral/hexahedral meshes
Proficiency in lofting aircraft in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) and applying CAD cleanup tools
Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB scripting
Experience working with external partners and suppliers on development projects
Familiarity with software development best practices and version control (Git)
Good knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) hardware and software
Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to work well both collaboratively and independently
Experience in a fast-paced design environment
Preferred Qualifications
Aerodynamics design experience on a large transport/freighter/cargo category aircraft
Familiarity with aircraft certification standards (14 CFR Part 25 or Part 23), preferably having been through an airplane development and certification program
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms
Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel test campaigns to validate CFD and aerodynamic predictions
Proficiency in MATLAB
Experience mentoring junior aerodynamics engineers in CFD

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus mental health support with 24/7 counseling, virtual therapy, and the Calm app.
Employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary critical illness and accident coverage, and a 401(k)-retirement savings plan.
Health Care FSA and HSA options with tax advantages and rollover features.
Employees working from Boulder office enjoy complimentary lunch on any day they work onsite.
Additional benefits include Employee Assistance Program, caregiver support, discounted fitness memberships, educational assistance, training programs, adoption assistance, commuter benefits, and exclusive discounts through Perks at Work.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

CFD ModelingAerodynamic Shape OptimizationTurbulence ModelingBoundary-Layer TransitionUnsteady AerodynamicsInterference Aerodynamics3D Surface and Volume MeshingLofting Aircraft in 3D CADHigh-Performance Computing (HPC)Wind-Tunnel Testing

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationCollaborationMentoringIndependent WorkAdaptability