Summary:
The Specialist Engineer, Aerodynamics is the expert level individual contributor providing technical leadership in the flight sciences at Piper Aircraft. The role is a multi-faceted position that requires a command of engineering practices related to flight test data reduction and expansion, computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel modeling, and preliminary aircraft design.
Essential Job Functions:
Guide, create, innovate, and review flight test plans related to aircraft flying qualities and performance
Accurately analyze flight test data to reduce and expand aircraft performance information for the Pilots Operating Handbook
Serve as the subject matter expert for addressing flight sciences irregularities resulting from production or experimental flight testing
Execute and coach others to perform efficient computational fluid dynamics modeling of complex surfaces up to and including an entire airframe
Lead wind tunnel modeling efforts to include model definition, instrumentation requirements, site selection, and data analysis
Perform well reasoned trade studies, initial sizing, lofting, and competitor analysis in support of new product development projects
Support accident investigators with a best possible flight path and/or aircraft performance estimate when requested following an incident or accident
Other related tasks as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This role has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee may be required to provide technical leadership for other flight sciences engineers.
Education and Experience Required:
Bachelors degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or closely related field
Minimum of ten years of engineering experience in aerodynamics and/or flight sciences
Documented experience to allow addition to the ODA as a flight analyst unit member within one year of hire
Preferred:
Graduate degree(s) in engineering or a related field
Previous designation as an ODA flight analyst unit member or DER
Published research related to flight sciences
Pilots certificate(s)/rating(s)