What does an aerodynamics engineer do?
An aerodynamics engineer is an aerodynamics expert who specializes in designing and developing aircraft components and systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Among their responsibilities include conducting extensive research and analysis, developing prototypes and test structures, coordinating with experts, obtaining certifications, and complying with all the aviation laws and regulations. They may also gather and analyze data of existing systems and equipment to identify its strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, an aerodynamics engineer must perform regular maintenance checks and assessments while maintaining an active communication line with staff.
Aerodynamics engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aerodynamics engineer resumes:
- Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
- Finalize an approve FAA regulatory flight manual with collect data and test results.
- Provide design guideline and MRB repairs to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft structural modifications.
- Work in airframe and systems aircraft design, field & production support, and new product development.
- Conduct a study on airfoils by extracting airfoil cross section geometry from Solidworks, normalize and import them to XFOIL.
- Provide greater flexibility over a popular off the shelf visualization tool.
- Develop time efficient algorithms of phase equilibrium computations for CFD simulations.
- Audit technical documentation relate to launch window and trajectory design to meet NASA contract specifications for safety mission requirement constraints.
- Manage HVAC retro-commissioning program to optimize facility energy use.
Aerodynamics engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Aerodynamics Engineers are proficient in Aerospace, MATLAB, and Computational Fluid Dynamics. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Business skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Aerodynamics Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Aerospace, 16%
Performed CFD analyses of subsonic to hypersonic aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, aeroloads, aeroheating and propulsion for aerospace vehicles.
- MATLAB, 16%
Expedited and simplified the quotation process for solar water heating systems by accurately representing solar water heating system performance through MATLAB models
- Computational Fluid Dynamics, 13%
Applied computational fluid dynamics to analyze the aerodynamic performance of solar racing vehicles.
- Wind Tunnel, 9%
Wind tunnel testing: help prepare and conduct missile free-stream and separation wind tunnel tests as test engineer and data analyst.
- Post Processing, 8%
Solve the problem using CFD-ACE and analyze the results using post processing tool CFD View.
- CAD, 7%
Gained proficiency in CAD, design control, Chemical compatibility, Geometric dimensions and tolerance, Statistical analysis.
Most aerodynamics engineers use their skills in "aerospace," "matlab," and "computational fluid dynamics" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential aerodynamics engineer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for an aerodynamics engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "aerospace engineers must be able to evaluate project design elements and propose improvements, if necessary." Additionally, an aerodynamics engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "performed aerodynamics cfd analysis including processing and post-processing of military engine components for pratt & whitney. "
Business skills. Another essential skill to perform aerodynamics engineer duties is business skills. Aerodynamics engineers responsibilities require that "meeting federal standards in aerospace engineering requires business knowledge, including commercial law." Aerodynamics engineers also use business skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "coordinated extensively with other faa lines of business, as well as outside government agencies and industry representatives. "
Math skills. For certain aerodynamics engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of an aerodynamics engineer rely on this skill, as "aerospace engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other math in their analysis, design, and troubleshooting work." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what aerodynamics engineers do: "conducted a study on airfoils by extracting airfoil cross section geometry from solidworks, normalized and imported them to xfoil. "
Problem-solving skills. A commonly-found skill in aerodynamics engineer job descriptions, "problem-solving skills" is essential to what aerodynamics engineers do. Aerodynamics engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "aerospace engineers upgrade designs and troubleshoot problems to improve aircraft, such as for increased fuel efficiency or safety." You can also see how aerodynamics engineer duties rely on problem-solving skills in this resume example: "identified logistics supportability impacts to system/equipment designs and proposes engineering changes/alternate solutions to avoid adverse impact. "
The three companies that hire the most aerodynamics engineers are:
- Blue Origin6 aerodynamics engineers jobs
- Boeing4 aerodynamics engineers jobs
- SpaceX3 aerodynamics engineers jobs
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Aerodynamics engineer vs. Engineering coordinator
An engineering coordinator organizes and oversees engineering projects. They typically perform administrative support tasks such as conducting extensive research and analysis, arranging schedules with clients, handling calls and correspondence, liaising with internal and external parties, reviewing contracts and other documentation, and managing the flow of documents and information across different teams. They may also participate in the planning, designing, and developing stages of projects. Moreover, as an engineering coordinator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with different departments while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between aerodynamics engineers and engineering coordinator. For instance, aerodynamics engineer responsibilities require skills such as "aerospace," "matlab," "computational fluid dynamics," and "wind tunnel." Whereas a engineering coordinator is skilled in "purchase orders," "project management," "continuous improvement," and "digital marketing." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineering coordinators earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $62,970. On the other hand, aerodynamics engineers are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $102,457.On average, engineering coordinators reach lower levels of education than aerodynamics engineers. Engineering coordinators are 7.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Aerodynamics engineer vs. Engineering associate
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real aerodynamics engineer resumes. While aerodynamics engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "aerospace," "matlab," "computational fluid dynamics," and "wind tunnel," engineering associates use skills like "python," "java," "c #," and "project management."
Engineering associates may earn a lower salary than aerodynamics engineers, but engineering associates earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $88,950. On the other hand, aerodynamics engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $102,457.engineering associates earn lower levels of education than aerodynamics engineers in general. They're 7.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aerodynamics engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from aerodynamics engineer resumes include skills like "aerospace," "matlab," "computational fluid dynamics," and "wind tunnel," whereas a research and development engineer is more likely to list skills in "python," "r," "c #," and "patients. "
Research and development engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $107,654. Comparatively, aerodynamics engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $102,457.When it comes to education, research and development engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to aerodynamics engineers. In fact, they're 1.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Aerodynamics engineer vs. Manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
Types of aerodynamics engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











