Aerospace Simulation Test Engineer

Haast Autonomous is building an autonomous aircraft network for time-sensitive medical logistics. We’re developing long-range VTOL aircraft, autonomy software, and the operational foundation needed to move critical payloads between hospitals, labs, and healthcare facilities on-demand faster and more reliably.

We’re early, small, and moving quickly. Joining now means you'll have a direct role in shaping the foundation of Haast — our culture, engineering process, testing discipline, partner relationships, and the path from prototype to a real medical logistics network.

We’re looking for high-agency people who want ownership, urgency, and system-level impact from day one.

At Haast, Aerospace Engineers bridge the gap between aircraft physics, design simulation, flight-test planning, and real-world data.

We want every prototype, simulation, and flight test to teach us something valuable.

• 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 Ardu Pilot, 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

• 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 (Solid Works, 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

• Hands-on with Ardu Pilot, PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, or QGround Control

• 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

• First month: Understand the aircraft configuration, build a baseline model with real data, and establish immediate test objectives

• Three months: Create a fast feedback loop—models, logs, and hardware changes work in sync, driving smarter next steps and better prototypes

• The output we care about: a better aircraft and a more insightful next test—not just a polished report

We care far more about what you’ve built than any credential or resume. When…