Aerodynamicist

 Aerodynamicist
aerodynamic engineer
From aircraft, civil or military, to helicopters, space shuttles or satellites, the aerodynamicist designs and develops the profiles of machines propelled in airspace. Objective: optimize their penetration into the air by improving their shape and their components. Its objectives are both economic and environmental: consume less energy, generate less noise and heat, particularly during propulsion. The aerodynamicist combines detailed knowledge of fluid mechanics and creativity to design innovative shapes while integrating technical constraints. He works mainly in the aeronautics or transport sectors.


Professional life
First among the aircraft manufacturers
Aircraft manufacturers design civil and military aircraft. Among them, the European group EADS, owner of Airbus (civil aircraft), Astrium (rockets and satellites) and Eurocopter (helicopters), then Dassault Aviation (business and military aircraft) and Snecma (Safran group) which develops propulsion systems. Although recruitment is significant, competition is keen because it is international.
... then to the equipment manufacturers
Equipment manufacturers provide aircraft manufacturers with structural parts and components (fuselage, wiring, seats, etc.). Among them, large companies (Thales, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty or Zodiac Aerospace) but also hundreds of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) whose projects are often more varied than among aircraft manufacturers. Young graduates do not spontaneously think of applying to them, even though it is quicker to access responsibilities in these structures.
... SSIs and research centers
Opportunities still exist in the research-studies-development departments of SSIs (engineering service companies, such as Altran, Assystem, Akka Technologies, etc.). But also at Cnes (National Center for Space Studies) or Onera (National Office for Aerospace Studies and Research) which design and develop the space systems of the future (satellites, probes, balloons, etc.).
Beginner's salary
Around 2800 euros gross per month. Source: Airemploi, 2011.
Working conditions
In a research department
The profession is carried out within the studies-research-development departments of large companies or in a consulting and engineering firm.
Multiple constraints
The aerodynamic engineer's room for maneuver is limited. It must constantly take into account technical constraints, but also deadlines that must not be exceeded and, above all, manufacturing costs.
In conjunction with others
It is necessary to collaborate internally with numerous departments: production (to comply with technical requirements), sales departments (to adapt to the market) and even general management (to fit into the overall strategy of the company) . You also have to deal externally with customers and suppliers.
SKILLS
Creative and rigorous
The aerodynamicist must both master the theoretical aspect, that is to say everything relating to physics and fluid mechanics, and have a creative mind. In the innovation sector, these two qualities are very important. You can give free rein to your imagination while always remaining guided by a rigorous and methodical spirit.
English speaker and computer scientist
A good knowledge of English is essential, particularly in the aeronautics sector where projects are deployed on a European or even international scale. Candidates for this position must also be perfectly proficient in CAD and CAD (computer-aided design and drawing) software.
Open and mobile
The aerodynamicist takes care of his relationships with his contacts, whether they are internal or external to the company. He may have to move. Large industrial groups are the most demanding in terms of geographic mobility.
Nature of the work
Theoretical study in 3D
Firstly, the aerodynamicist studies and visualizes the geometric characteristics of the plane in 3D, for example, using CAD and CAD (computer-aided design and drawing) software. This theoretical phase is quite similar to what happens in other branches of mechanics.
Meshing and simulation
Then, the aerodynamicist moves on to the surface and volume meshing phase. Namely, it decomposes the surface of the object into small elements and calculates the parameters of the air flow on each node. It does the same for the entire mass of air around the object. He then carries out digital simulations to evaluate the performance and resistance of each element. It thus calculates their reactions to the force and speed of the wind. Depending on the results obtained, it can change the shape of the object to increase its performance.
Prototype and test