
Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is seeking a full-time Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design, to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The Aerospace Engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new aircraft design and control systems while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Conduct aircraft conceptual design and sizing studies.
Analysis of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, etc.
Setting up and running vehicle and component optimizations.
Perform analysis, simulation, and engineering trade studies to support design decisions.
Research about technologies, analysis methods, standards, and regulations to guide aircraft design.
Develop, test, and implement custom software-based design tools.
Clearly communicate engineering ideas, progress, and results using written reports and oral presentations to supervisors, project managers, and customers.
Collaborate with team members to accomplish project goals in a timely fashion.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent.
3+ years of relevant engineering experience.
Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python.
Proficiency with aircraft flight performance analysis and conceptual design.
Fundamental understanding of related disciplines including aerodynamics, aircraft stability & control, thermal analysis, structures, electronics, systems engineering, computational optimization, etc.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong writing & presentation skills.
Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA.
US Citizenship Required.
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
Master's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent and/or 5+ years of experience.
Experience with Simulink, Python, VBA, C++, and/or other coding languages.
Experience with OpenVSP / VSPAERO, XFOIL, AVL, etc..
Experience with CFD tools using Altair, OVERFLOW, or similar.
Experience performing flight loads analysis.
Experience setting up and running optimization tools.
Experience using programming version control software such as Git.
Experience with CAD modeling using SolidWorks or similar.
Experience with requirements capture at the aircraft and/or systems level.
Familiarity with the design of aircraft and common aircraft systems.
Familiarity with eVTOL aircraft.
Familiarity with civil and military regulations for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.
Familiarity with electric vertical takeoff / landing (eVTOL) design concepts.
Familiarity with the urban air mobility (UAM) market space.
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check.
Hiring Range: $90k-120k

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero), an aerospace engineering design and manufacturing company, specializes in cost-effective development of innovative and advanced concepts, with emphasis on simple honesty and a track record of commitment. Since 2003, ESAero has served the needs of the engineering industry through its work on military and commercial conceptual air vehicle designs, electric and hybrid propulsion system development, aircraft modifications, sub-scale technology demonstrators, rapid system prototyping, design for manufacturing, low-rate initial production, manufacturing, and niche engineering support. An “Advanced Design Group to Advanced Design Groups”, ESAero is the Prime Contractor and Integrator of the NASA X-57 “Maxwell” all-electric airplane. ESAero customers include multiple NASA Centers, AFRL, AMRDEC, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, Electricore, and AeroVironment. With a 32,000 sq.ft. design & manufacturing facility located in San Luis Obispo, CA and an 8,000 sq.ft. integration and test location at the Oceano (CA) County Airport (L52), ESAero has expanded operations and airport space for system testing and product development. ESAero will continue to provide the aviation and aerospace industries with cutting-edge systems solutions and optimized manufacturing practices.
With an emphasis on quality, cost, and/or time, ESAero performs design, analytical, prototyping, and testing services for systems ranging from conceptual aerospace designs to aircraft seeking supplemental type certificates.
• Proven solutions that focus on the quality of results
• Rapid system development
• Hands-on development/testing to achieve customer goals
• “Out-of-the-Box” thinking and engineering
• Customized project plans structured for efficiency to meet larger program goals of cost or time
• On-demand niche engineering team to supplement ongoing projects
For more information, please visit our website at www.esaero.com or call (805) 275-1053.