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Senior Aerodynamics and Propulsion Test Engineer

Palo Alto, California

About Wing: 

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.

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.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is the salary range below + bonus + equity + benefits. Wing’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Salary Range

$228,000 - $242,000 USD

Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.

If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.

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