Aerospace Engineer

About the Role

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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 ArduPilot, 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

What We’re Looking For

• 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 (SolidWorks, 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

Nice to Have

• Hands-on with ArduPilot, PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, or QGroundControl
• 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

What Success Looks Like

• 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

How to Stand Out

We care far more about what you’ve built than any credential or resume. When applying, please share details of aircraft modeling, simulation, or flight-test work you've done:

• Examples of hands-on UAV projects, builds, or performance models
• Aircraft sizing studies, simulation code, or flight-test plans you contributed to
• Data analysis, CFD/FEA results, CAD files, or engineering documentation from past projects

Please submit links, files, photos, or write-ups of prior work—demonstrating your skills, approach, and what you’ve learned along the way. We want to see what you’ve tackled, built, and discovered first-hand.