Aerospace Engineer - and Design

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. This role involves multi‑functional product development of new aircraft design and control systems, collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel.

As an Aerospace Engineer at ESAero, you will assist in the development of aircraft designs and control systems, performing design studies, analyses, and the implementation of custom software tools to support design decisions.

• Conduct aircraft conceptual design and sizing studies
• Analyze aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, and related disciplines
• Set up and run vehicle and component optimizations
• Perform analysis, simulation, and engineering trade studies to support design decisions
• Research technologies, analysis methods, standards, and regulations to guide aircraft design
• Develop, test, and implement custom software‑based design tools
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or equivalent
• 3+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python
• Experience with aircraft flight performance analysis and conceptual design
• Fundamental understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft stability & control, thermal analysis, structures, electronics, systems engineering, computational optimization, etc.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Willingness to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA
• US citizenship required

• 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 such as Altair, OVERFLOW, or similar
• Experience performing flight loads analysis
• Experience setting up and running optimization tools
• Experience with programming version control software such as Git
• Experience with CAD modeling using Solid Works or similar
• Experience with requirements capture at the aircraft and/or systems level
• Familiarity with aircraft design and common aircraft systems
• Familiarity with eVTOL design concepts

• Health, dental, and vision plans – including a 100% employer‑paid option covering employees and their families
• Paid Time Off: 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 optional additional coverage for employees and families
• Supplemental Coverage: optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays: 9 holidays per year
• Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and welcoming company culture
• Ideal location with outstanding quality of life

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing. We deliver high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions to the industry through cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, testing, and technology demonstrations.

Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA (full‑on‑site)

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Salary range: $90,000 – $130,000

Equal opportunity employer. E‑Verify participation required. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States and pass a background check.