Senior Aerodynamics and Propulsion Test Engineer
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last-mile logistics. Consumer demand for on-demand services is increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones transports 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 integrates easily into existing delivery and logistics networks, providing a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is part of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet.
About the role
Wing is seeking a Senior Aerodynamics & Propulsion Test Engineer to join our Aircraft Development team. This onsite role is based in Palo Alto, CA. The ideal candidate is a subject-matter expert who will own the wind tunnel and propulsion test and analysis function, including developing and maintaining test infrastructure, creating new methodologies for propulsion subsystem characterization and verification, and leading test campaigns. You bring strong technical, research, and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work efficiently, dive deep into data, produce analyses, and communicate results to a broad stakeholder audience.
Responsibilities
- 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 to support design reviews and simulation development
- Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems
Requirements
- 8+ years of 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 a 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 multidisciplinary engineering teams, 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
- Frequent movement within office and lab areas to build and assemble prototypes and access equipment
Pay
US base salary range for this full-time position: $228,000 – $242,000 USD, plus bonus, equity, and benefits.