Principal Aerodynamicist

Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.

Mach Industries is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Aerodynamicist to lead the aerodynamic design and optimization efforts for next-generation autonomous defense platforms. As the Senior Aerodynamicist, you will be responsible for shaping aerodynamic strategies, driving vehicle performance, and overseeing the design and optimization of air-breathing aircraft and missiles. Your expertise will guide the team from concept through testing, ensuring that our vehicles meet the stringent performance standards required for modern warfare.

At Mach Industries, we are committed to building scalable, decentralized platforms that maintain an allied American edge. The future of warfare lies in autonomous systems, and our mission is to produce these platforms at scale to deter kinetic conflict. As Principal Aerodynamicist, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading aerodynamic design and optimization, collaborating across engineering disciplines, and ensuring our platforms are operationally superior.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Aerodynamic Analysis: Conduct and oversee advanced analyses of airflow and its impact on vehicle performance, providing critical insights into aerodynamic behaviors across vehicle platforms.

• Vehicle-Level Design Leadership: Drive aerodynamic design from first principles, utilizing hand calculations and iterative analysis to ground new programs, including air-breathing aircraft, high/low-speed glide vehicles, and missiles.

• Optimization and Testing: Optimize vehicle shapes using hand calculations, computational simulations, and physical testing. Focus on reducing drag, improving stability, and enhancing overall aerodynamic efficiency.

• Performance Enhancement Strategy: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to optimize performance metrics such as speed, fuel efficiency, stability, and maneuverability. Propose solutions that drive measurable improvements.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work with engineers across disciplines such as mass properties, structural analysis, and propulsion systems to integrate aerodynamic considerations into overall product designs.

Basic Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in aerodynamic analysis and design, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Proven experience in aerodynamic design, optimization, and testing, with a focus on advanced vehicle systems.

• High proficiency in computational tools and simulation software, such as Missile Datcom, Xfoil, OpenVSP, XFLR5, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve complex engineering problems and make data-driven decisions.

• Leadership experience in guiding teams and delivering complex projects on time in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant experience in the aerospace or defense industry, with a focus on autonomous systems or high-speed vehicles.

• Hands-on experience in a startup or defense-focused environment.

• Expertise in leading multi-disciplinary engineering projects from concept to completion.

Benefits at Mach Industries

Mach Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to ensure your health, financial security, and personal growth, including:

• Competitive Compensation Package: Includes base salary, equity grants, and performance bonuses.

• Platinum Healthcare Coverage: Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, with 90% coverage for dependents.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, 13 holidays, and a year-end holiday shutdown.

• Company-Provided Meals: Catered lunches and fully stocked kitchens.

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with a 5% company match.

• Relocation Support: Assistance for eligible positions.

Why Mach Industries?

At Mach Industries, we are building the next-generation platforms that will help the U.S. and its allies maintain a strategic edge in future warfare. Our mission is clear: we will produce these platforms by the millions to deter kinetic conflict and ensure that the U.S. military remains prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

We are pioneering a new class of decentralized unmanned systems that will redefine how we approach defense technology. We don’t just design systems—we ensure they can be produced at scale, using flexible, adaptable factories to guarantee supply chain defensibility and meet the urgent needs of modern warfare.

As Principal Aerodynamicist, you will lead the design and optimization of high-performance aerodynamic systems, pushing the boundaries of speed, efficiency, and scalability. Join us to work in an environment that values innovation, agility, and the ability to execute on complex, high-stakes projects.

Join us at Mach Industries, where your work will shape the future of warfare and secure the American way of life.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!