Aerodynamics Engineer I

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company

Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

The Aerodynamics Manager will provide technical, operational, and business leadership of the Pratt Miller Aerodynamics group. This includes technical direction, group structure and staffing, resource requirements and allocation, and development, planning and execution of customer programs. The Aerodynamics Manager will lead a team solving real world aerodynamics design, testing, analysis, and development challenges. While motorsports development is a core focus of this role, it also supports automotive and defense efforts.

This position involves managing the aerodynamics group’s technical growth, process development, and planning activities along with supporting Business Development for new programs. Larger programs may include expert aerodynamic consultants and a Program Aerodynamics Lead to manage the customer landscape and complement the aerodynamic team’s technical output, all working harmoniously to deliver world-class performance.  The Aerodynamics Manager will work within program constraints to balance and optimize performance and surface development through the usage of tools such as CFD, Wind Tunnel testing (full and reduced scale), advanced data acquisition and analysis, and metrics development.  A strong understanding of CFD usage, correlation, and limitations is desired, with analytical methods support provided by our Advanced Analysis team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Execution & Technical Delivery

• Lead aerodynamic development execution in partnership with the Program Aero Lead.
• Develop and manage aerodynamic surfaces and test plans including CAD, CFD, and wind tunnel.
• Translate program targets into actionable aerodynamic development roadmaps.
• Deliver validated aerodynamic improvements within regulatory, styling, and homologation constraints.
• Ensure timely release of aerodynamic updates aligned with vehicle build and testing schedules.
• Drive iterative, performance-focused development in an evolutionary regulatory environment.

Aerodynamic Optimization & Technical Leadership

• Guide technical execution for aerodynamic surface optimization using sound fluid dynamics principles.
• Identify performance opportunities within tight regulatory and geometric constraints.
• Apply deep understanding of:
  • Ground effect behavior
  • Ride height sensitivity
  • Yaw sensitivity
  • Aero balance control
  • Flow separation and attachment
  • Vortex management and wake interaction
• Guide correlation efforts across CFD, wind tunnel testing, and on-track results.
• Leverage industry trends and competitive analysis to inform development direction.

Vehicle Integration

• Manage development of aerodynamic program CAD (Catia/NX) and manage in our PLM tools (Windchill)
• Work closely with vehicle dynamics, race operations, and manufacturing teams.
• Understand and manage aerodynamic impacts on:
  • Mechanical balance
  • Ride platform control
  • Vehicle performance
• Contribute to overall vehicle performance optimization, not isolated aero gains.

Wind Tunnel & CFD Integration

• Define wind tunnel test matrices and objectives.
• Actively participate in wind tunnel testing and data interpretation.
• Ensure efficient use of aerodynamic tools and resources.
• Drive continuous improvement in aero development workflows.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Operate in close coordination with:
  • Program Aero Lead (customer-facing authority)
  • Aerodynamic advisors (including top-tier motorsports consultants)
  • Model shop and build teams
  • Race Operations
  • Trackside engineering staff
• Support communication of aerodynamic intent and development direction.
• Provide technical clarity while respecting program governance and customer interfaces.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide daily technical leadership to aerodynamic engineers and support staff.
• Elevate team performance standards in:
  • Data quality
  • Test preparation
  • Post-test analysis rigor
  • Documentation discipline
• Mentor developing engineers in aerodynamic fundamentals and race program execution.
• Contribute to building a high-performance, accountable team culture.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BS or MS in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Automotive Engineering required.
• 7+ years of experience in motorsports aerodynamics or high-performance vehicle development.
• Significant hands-on wind tunnel and CFD development experience.
• CAD and surface development processes, management in PLM.
• Prior experience in NASCAR, IMSA, IndyCar, F1, or equivalent high-level racing programs strongly preferred.
• Experience working within regulated technical environments.

DESIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Strong foundation in fluid dynamics and applied aerodynamics.
• Experience with rolling road wind tunnel testing (reduced or full scale).
• Understanding of deformation studies and tolerance management.
• Proficiency in CFD tools and post-processing workflows.
• Ability to extract actionable direction from complex datasets.
• Familiarity with aerodynamic correlation methodologies.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Structured, disciplined technical thinker.
• Execution-oriented with strong ownership mindset.
• Effective collaborator in matrixed program structures.
• Clear communicator of technical concepts.
• Comfortable operating under schedule pressure and competitive urgency.
• Capable of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Participation in wind tunnel testing and vehicle inspections.
• Travel for testing, track events, and technical meetings as needed.
• Ability to stand and work in shop and track environments for extended periods.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• Standard business hours with flexibility during peak development and race events.
• Travel required for wind tunnel tests and select track support activities.

Pay Range:

$103,300.00 - $177,700.00

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

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