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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design - **Company:** Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. - **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $130,000.0 - $175,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Computer-Aided Design, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Computational Fluid Dynamics, Program Optimization, Computer Programming, SolidWorks (CAD), Custom Software, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Simulink, Git, Vba Programming Language, Software Version Control, Programming Languages - **Published:** July 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d19c48295fcecded ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent. * 9+ years of relevant engineering experience. * Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python. * Proficiency with aircraft flight performance analysis and conceptual design. * Fundamental understanding of related disciplines including aerodynamics, aircraft stability & control, thermal analysis, structures, electronics, systems engineering, computational optimization, etc. * Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). * Strong writing & presentation skills. * Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA . Desired Qualifications and Skills: * 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 using Altair, OVERFLOW, or similar. * Experience performing flight loads analysis. * Experience setting up and running optimization tools. * Experience using programming version control software such as Git. * Experience with CAD modeling using SolidWorks or similar. * Experience with requirements capture at the aircraft and/or systems level. * Familiarity with the design of aircraft and common aircraft systems. * Familiarity with eVTOL aircraft. * Familiarity with civil and military regulations for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. * Familiarity with electric vertical takeoff / landing (eVTOL) design concepts. * Familiarity with the urban air mobility (UAM) market space. ## Description Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is seeking a full-time Staff Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design, to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The Staff Aerospace Engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new aircraft design and control systems while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel., * Conduct aircraft conceptual design and sizing studies. * Analysis of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, etc. * Setting up and running vehicle and component optimizations. * Perform analysis, simulation, and engineering trade studies to support design decisions. * Research about technologies, analysis methods, standards, and regulations to guide aircraft design. * Develop, test, and implement custom software-based design tools. * Leads, manages, plans, and functions as the technical or subject matter expert * Responsible for identification and execution of continuous improvements * Drives end-to-end technical strategy and execution within area of specialization * Supports organizational learning through knowledge sharing, documentation, and training * Contributes to long-term strategic planning within the discipline * Clearly 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. ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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