Aerospace Engineer
Haast Autonomous · Hillsboro
Haast Autonomous is building an autonomous aircraft network for time-sensitive medical logistics. We’re developing long-range VTOL aircraft, autonomy software, and the operational foundation needed to move critical payloads between hospitals, labs, and healthcare facilities on-demand faster and more reliably.
We’re early, small, and moving quickly. Joining now means you'll have a direct role in shaping the foundation of Haast — our culture, engineering process, testing discipline, partner relationships, and the path from prototype to a real medical logistics network.
We’re looking for high-agency people who want ownership, urgency, and system-level impact from day one.
About the Role
At Haast, Aerospace Engineers bridge the gap between aircraft physics, design, simulation, flight-test planning, and real-world data.
We want every prototype, simulation, and flight test to teach us something valuable.
What You’ll Do
Lead the initial conceptualization and design of aircraft based on core design requirements
Build and maintain performance models for aircraft prototypes
Analyze range, endurance, climb, cruise, stall speed, stability, control authority, and payload tradeoffs
Support sizing, configuration, and design trade decisions
Integrate design for manufacturing principles to ensure aircraft components are practical, efficient, and ready for real-world production and assembly.
Create and refine 3D aircraft models using CAD tools
Perform CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to evaluate aerodynamic and structural performance
Use tools like XFLR5, OpenVSP, AVL, MATLAB, Python, JSBSim, Gazebo, or similar simulation and modeling platforms
Support SITL/HITL workflows with ArduPilot, PX4, or similar systems
Create flight-test cards, test plans, success criteria, and post-test summaries
Analyze flight logs to compare true aircraft behavior with predictions
Diagnose issues—whether aerodynamic, controls, structure, propulsion, sensors, or operations
Transform flight data into actionable engineering improvements
Collaborate closely with mechanical, avionics, controls, and operations teams
Document your assumptions, models, results, and engineering decisions
Help lay the modeling, test, and validation foundation for a scalable autonomous aircraft network
What We’re Looking For
Deep understanding of aircraft performance, stability, flight mechanics, and test planning
Experience with UAVs, fixed-wing, VTOL, or flight-test programs
Strong proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, or similar)
Hands-on experience with CFD (ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, etc.) and FEA for aircraft analysis
Track record of using simulation and analysis to drive real-world hardware and design choices
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar data analysis tools
Comfortable with tools like XFLR5, OpenVSP, AVL, JSBSim, Gazebo, or other aerospace simulation tools
Able to interpret flight logs and extract actionable conclusions
Practical engineering judgment regarding assumptions, uncertainty, and model limitations
Able to develop straightforward, practical test plans for rapid learning
Startup-ready: thrive in a fast-paced environment where models must meet reality fast
Nice to Have
Hands-on with ArduPilot, PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, or QGroundControl
Experience with SITL/HITL simulation for UAVs
Insights into fixed-wing VTOL transition dynamics
Background in propulsion modeling, propeller selection, battery sizing, or hybrid-electric aircraft
Familiarity with CFD, wind tunnel, scale models, or flight-test instrumentation
Experience in FAA test environments, BVLOS, aviation safety documentation, or risk analysis
What Success Looks Like
First month: Understand the aircraft configuration, build a baseline model with real data, and establish immediate test objectives
Three months: Create a fast feedback loop—models, logs, and hardware changes work in sync, driving smarter next steps and better prototypes
The output we care about: a better aircraft and a more insightful next test—not just a polished report
How to Stand Out
We care far more about what you’ve built than any credential or resume. When applying, please share details of aircraft modeling, simulation, or flight-test work you've done:
Examples of hands-on UAV projects, builds, or performance models
Aircraft sizing studies, simulation code, or flight-test plans you contributed to
Data analysis, CFD/FEA results, CAD files, or engineering documentation from past projects
Please submit links, files, photos, or write-ups of prior work—demonstrating your skills, approach, and what you’ve learned along the way. We want to see what you’ve tackled, built, and discovered first-hand.
We care more about agency, ownership, taste, and evidence that you can build than whether you match every bullet point. If you have worked on aircraft, drones, robots, vehicles, rockets, or other hard technical systems and want to help build something from the ground up, we want to hear from you.