Aerodynamicist

Huntington Beach, California, United States

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

Mach Industries is seeking a talented and driven Aerodynamicist to support the design, analysis, and optimization of next-generation autonomous defense platforms. Your work will play a crucial role in ensuring our vehicles achieve peak performance and efficiency in mission-critical environments. As an aerodynamicist, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to analyze and refine vehicle performance, enhance aerodynamic efficiency, and integrate cutting-edge designs into production-ready systems.

Lead aerodynamic analysis and design efforts for air-breathing and solid rockets missile platforms across relevant flight regimes, selecting and applying first-principles reasoning, computational tools, and empirical methods as appropriate.

Own aerodynamic trade studies to optimize vehicle performance (drag, stability, control, efficiency), assess design sensitivities, and recommend geometry changes aligned with mission-level requirements.

Contribute to vehicle-level configuration development, ensuring aerodynamic concepts are integrated effectively with propulsion, structures, and systems from early design through refinement.

Plan and support wind tunnel and flight test campaigns, lead aerodynamic data reduction and interpretation, and drive design updates based on validated results.

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years of experience.

Proficiency in aerodynamic simulation tools and techniques at multiple fidelity levels, such as Missile Datcom, Xfoil, OpenVSP, Cart3D, and/or STAR-CCM+.

2+ years working with missiles or closely related vehicles.

Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and aerodynamic principles, with experience optimizing vehicle performance.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

8+ years experience of hands-on experience with missile systems, UAS, or high-speed aircraft.

Familiarity with startup or defense sector environments.

Experience developing aerodynamic solutions for scalable, production-ready systems.

Experience conducting wind tunnel or flight testing and analyzing experimental data.

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

$115,000 - $150,000 USD

$155,000 - $195,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable,…