Haast Autonomous is seeking an Aerospace Engineer to bridge the gap between aircraft physics, design, simulation, flight-test planning, and real-world data. You will lead aircraft conceptualization, build performance models, analyze tradeoffs, perform CFD/FEA simulations, and support flight testing. The role involves close collaboration with mechanical, avionics, controls, and operations teams to drive engineering improvements and lay the foundation for a scalable autonomous aircraft network.

Responsibilities

Lead the initial conceptualization and design of aircraft based on core design requirements
Build and maintain performance models for aircraft prototypes
Analyze range, endurance, climb, cruise, stall speed, stability, control authority, and payload tradeoffs
Support sizing, configuration, and design trade decisions
Integrate design for manufacturing principles to ensure aircraft components are practical, efficient, and ready for real-world production and assembly.
Create and refine 3D aircraft models using CAD tools
Perform CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to evaluate aerodynamic and structural performance
Use tools like XFLR5, OpenVSP, AVL, MATLAB, Python, JSBSim, Gazebo, or similar simulation and modeling platforms
Support SITL/HITL workflows with ArduPilot, PX4, or similar systems
Create flight-test cards, test plans, success criteria, and post-test summaries
Analyze flight logs to compare true aircraft behavior with predictions
Diagnose issues—whether aerodynamic, controls, structure, propulsion, sensors, or operations
Transform flight data into actionable engineering improvements
Collaborate closely with mechanical, avionics, controls, and operations teams
Document your assumptions, models, results, and engineering decisions
Help lay the modeling, test, and validation foundation for a scalable autonomous aircraft network

Requirements

Deep understanding of aircraft performance, stability, flight mechanics, and test planning
Experience with UAVs, fixed-wing, VTOL, or flight-test programs
Strong proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, or similar)
Hands-on experience with CFD (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, etc.) and FEA for aircraft analysis
Track record of using simulation and analysis to drive real-world hardware and design choices
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar data analysis tools
Comfortable with tools like XFLR5, OpenVSP, AVL, JSBSim, Gazebo, or other aerospace simulation tools
Able to interpret flight logs and extract actionable conclusions
Practical engineering judgment regarding assumptions, uncertainty, and model limitations
Able to develop straightforward, practical test plans for rapid learning
Startup-ready: thrive in a fast-paced environment where models must meet reality fast

Nice to have

Hands-on with ArduPilot, PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, or QGroundControl
Experience with SITL/HITL simulation for UAVs
Insights into fixed-wing VTOL transition dynamics
Background in propulsion modeling, propeller selection, battery sizing, or hybrid-electric aircraft
Familiarity with CFD, wind tunnel, scale models, or flight-test instrumentation
Experience in FAA test environments, BVLOS, aviation safety documentation, or risk analysis