Senior Aerodynamics and Propulsion Test Engineer

Location: Palo Alto, California

Department: Hardware Engineering

About the Role:

Wing is looking for a Senior Aerodynamics & Propulsion Test Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team. This role is based onsite in Palo Alto, CA. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert owning the wind tunnel and propulsion test and analysis function including developing and maintaining test infrastructure, developing new methodologies for propulsion subsystem characterization and verification, and leading test campaigns. You bring superb technical, research and analytical capabilities with a demonstrated ability to get the right work done quickly and effectively, diving deep, producing analyses, and communicating results to a broad audience of stakeholders.

What You’ll Do: 

• Plan and execute aerodynamic testing, including wind tunnel testing, propeller testing, motor testing, and aeroacoustic testing, at both onsite and external facilities
• Select, build, and maintain data acquisition (DAQ) systems, automated test scripts, and data acquisition pipelines 
• Design, build, and maintain custom test fixtures using CAD and rapid-prototyping methods
• Select, install, and calibrate sensors such as force/torque sensors, thermocouples, optical sensors, and air data systems. 
• Process raw test data to characterize and evaluate propulsion systems for thrust, power, efficiency, acoustic, dynamic response, and thermal performance across the full operational envelope, including edge-of-envelope and failure-mode conditions
• Produce data products and comprehensive test reports support design reviews and simulation development
• Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems.

What You’ll Need: 

• 8+ years experience in wind tunnel and propulsion testing and instrumentation for electric or hybrid-electric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and/or distributed electric propulsion aircraft
• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Strong experience with National Instruments data acquisition hardware and sensor selection for aerodynamic, propulsion, and motor testing 
• Proficiency with Labview and experience with TCP/IP, CAN bus protocols 
• Experience partnering with a multidisciplinary engineering team, including mechanical, electrical, GN&C, and software disciplines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to occasionally lift and move parts and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds for prototype assemblies and test fixtures.
• The person in this position needs to frequently move about inside the office and lab areas to build and assemble prototypes and access equipment.