SkyDrive

Aerodynamic Design Engineer

SkyDrive  •  Toyoyama, JP (Onsite)  •  4 months ago
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Job Description

Job Highlight

The eVTOL is the most advanced development in the world, combining "technology for flying" and "power electronics". To achieve this goal, our various teams, including flight controls, avionics, electrical/power systems, and flight sciences in collaboration with our test pilots, are working in unison to advance the project. We are confident that you will be able to fully demonstrate your abilities and participate in this world-leading activity, which you will not be able to experience anywhere else.


Outline of the Job

We are seeking a visionary Aerodynamic Design Engineer to spearhead the aerodynamic architecture of our next-generation eVTOL aircraft. Unlike a traditional simulation role, this position focuses on owning the design loop—interpreting complex fluid dynamics to define the shapes of airframes, blades, and rotors. You will lead the transition from conceptual requirements to flight-ready, high-efficiency designs that balance stability, controllability, and structural constraints.

  • Aerodynamic Synthesis & Configuration: Propose and define the aerodynamic shapes of the eVTOL airframe and lifting surfaces to meet performance targets.
  • Advanced Optimization: Drive the design process using Multidisciplinary Optimization (MDO) tools to manage strict trade-offs between aerodynamic efficiency, structural weight, and power electronics.
  • Blade & Rotor Design: Lead the design and optimization of key components, specifically focusing on the complex physics of multi-rotor environments and unsteady aerodynamics.
  • Physics-Driven Iteration: Use CFD not just for validation, but as a creative tool to refine designs and resolve performance bottlenecks at an early stage.
  • Design Validation & Closing the Loop: Plan and lead wind tunnel tests and flight test data acquisition to validate your designs and adjust mathematical models for real-world behavior.
  • Certification Leadership: Manage the aerodynamic design process from requirements definition through to certification compliance (e.g., CS.23/25 or CS.27/29).

Essential Skills

  • Design Experience: 7+ years of experience in aerodynamic design and optimization (not exclusively analysis).
  • Technical Authority: Proven track record in Aircraft Concept Design and the ability to discuss technical trade-offs across structures, propulsion, and flight control.
  • Complex Interactions: Deep understanding of Aeroelasticity and Fluid Structural Coupling (FSI) to account for airframe flexibility
  • Advanced Tools: Mastery of coupled simulations for multi-rotor environments (e.g., CAMRAD II, FlightLab).
  • Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.

Desirable Skills

  • Those who have a deep knowledge of electric propulsion systems, flight control systems, system integration, and a background in VTOL design
  • Experience managing all technical aspects of aircraft aerodynamic design from requirements definition to certification (CS.23/25 and/or CS.27/29)
  • Experience setting aerodynamic loads on blades, rotor, and other aircraft components
  • Knowledge and experience in aeroelasticity and Fluid Structural Coupling (FSI) tools
  • Knowledge in coupled simulations of rotor-dynamics and aerodynamics for multi-rotors environment such as CAMRADII, Flight Lab.

Skills for Collaborative Success

  • Problem Solver: Ability to detect aerodynamic issues at an early design stage and propose physical solutions.
  • Communicator: Clear technical communication skills to present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Pioneer Spirit: High motivation to build original structures and processes in a dynamic Japanese eVTOL development environment.

Type of Employment

  • Permanent Employee or Contract Employee
  • Probationary period: 3~6 month

Place of Employment

  • Nagoya Airport Office: Nagoya Airport Terminal Building 2nd floor, Toyoba, Toyoyama-Cho, Nishikasugai, Aichi Prefecture
    • Measures to Prevent Secondhand Smoke: Smoking Room Provided
  • Scope of Change: Places determined by the Company (including places where telework is performed)

Working Hours

  • Flextime or Discretionary labor system
    • In the case of flextime: No core time
    • Discretionary Labor System: Specialized Class Deemed working hours per day: 10 hours
  • Basic working hours: Start 9:00 End 18:00(Including 1hour break time)
    • Overtime Work: Available

Holidays

  • 115 days off per year(Saturday / Sundays / Newyear holidays(12/29~1/3) / Company designated holidays)
  • Annual paid leave
  • Refresh leave (Granted after 1, 3, 4, 5 years of service)

Salary

  • Estimated Annual Salary: JPY 6,850,000- JPY 11,500,000
  • Monthly Salary: JPY 571,000- JPY 959,000
    • Includes fixed overtime pay for 45 hours, amounting to JPY 197,680- JPY 331,997
      *Additional overtime pay will be provided for hours exceeding the fixed overtime.
  • To be determined based on skills, experience, and abilities

Expenses

  • Commuting allowance, business trip allowance, moving allowance, etc.
  • Relocation Packages
    *There are some conditions.

Social Insurance

  • Health insurance
  • Employee pension (according to Japan standards)
  • Employment insurance
  • Worker’s accident compensation insurance

Scope of Work Change

  • Reassignment may occur to any other work.
SkyDrive

About SkyDrive

SkyDrive Inc. is a pioneering Japanese aerospace company with the mission to "Take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution" and the vision to let people "Fly in the Sky" (Beyond Drive.). Established in July 2018 , we are developing and manufacturing compact, all-electric eVTOL (electrical Vertical TakeOff and Landing) aircraft to make everyday air travel accessible to everyone.

Our flagship aircraft, the SKYDRIVE (SD-05), is engineered to be a quiet, lightweight, and low-cost air taxi, perfectly suited for dense urban environments. By requiring no runway and offering vertical takeoff and landing in small spaces, our eVTOLs allow for point-to-point transit that bypasses traffic congestion, significantly reducing travel times in major cities. Furthermore, our electric powertrain ensures a minimal environmental footprint with low noise and zero operational emissions, making it ideal for social acceptance in urban areas.

SkyDrive is currently working towards receiving Type Certification from JCAB as early as 2026. We are laying the groundwork for commercial operations globally, with a focus on launching initial routes in the Osaka Bay Area around 2028 , including demonstration flights at the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Our market traction is strong, with over 384 pre-orders as of March 2025 across 7 countries and strategic partnerships in the U.S., Vietnam, India, and Thailand.

SkyDrive is committed to bringing sustainable, efficient, and innovative air mobility solutions to the world.

Follow us and contact us:

Twitter @Skydrive_Global

Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/SkyDriveEnSkyDriveEn

Contact us @https://en.skydrive2020.com/contact/

Website https://en.skydrive2020.com/

Verified page

June 1, 2024

Industry: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Company size :201-500 employees

195 associated members (LinkedIn members who’ve listed SkyDrive as their current workplace on their profile)

Headquarters : Toyota, Aichi

Founded : 2018

Specialtie

Industry
Aviation & Aerospace
Company Size
201-500 employees
Headquarters
Toyota, JP
Year Founded
2018
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