Job Title: Flight Physics Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Experience: 15+ Years
Location: Hybrid
Industry: Aerospace / Aviation Engineering
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Flight Physics SME with 15+ years of expertise in aircraft performance, aerodynamics, flight mechanics, stability & control, and flight dynamics. The candidate will provide technical leadership in the development, validation, and optimization of flight physics models supporting aircraft design, certification, simulation, and operational performance analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead flight physics engineering activities across aircraft development programs.
- Develop, validate, and maintain aircraft performance and flight dynamics models.
- Perform aerodynamic, stability and control, and flight performance analyses.
- Support aircraft certification activities and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Analyze flight test data and correlate simulation models with real-world aircraft behavior.
- Provide technical guidance on aircraft handling qualities, performance optimization, and operational limitations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including aerodynamics, systems engineering, avionics, flight test, and certification groups.
- Review and approve engineering reports, technical documentation, and model validation results.
- Support digital twin, simulator, and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) initiatives.
- Mentor junior engineers and establish engineering best practices.
- Interface with customers, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders on flight physics-related topics.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- 15+ years of experience in flight physics, aircraft performance, flight mechanics, or related aerospace domains.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Aerodynamics
- Flight Mechanics
- Stability & Control
- Aircraft Performance
- Flight Dynamics
- Aircraft Handling Qualities
- Flight Test Analysis
- Experience with aircraft certification standards (FAA, EASA, MIL standards).
- Proven ability to interpret and analyze flight test data.
- Strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft behavior across all phases of flight.
Technical Skills
- MATLAB / Simulink
- Python, C++, or FORTRAN
- Flight Simulation Tools
- CFD Tools like ANSA, Fluent, STAR CCM+ etc.
- Aircraft Performance Modeling
- Model-Based Development
- Data Analysis & Validation
- Flight Dynamics & Control System Analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
- Experience with commercial aircraft, military aircraft, UAVs, or advanced air mobility platforms.
- Knowledge of Digital Twin technologies and AI/ML applications in aerospace.
- Experience leading global engineering teams and customer engagements.
Key Competencies
- Technical Leadership
- Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
- Stakeholder Management
- Decision Making
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Program and Risk Management
