Description
Designing a fixed-wing drone that can loiter for 12 hours while carrying a heavy EO/IR payload requires a perfect balance of aerodynamic efficiency and structural rigidity. I am a UAV Aerodynamics and Airframe Designer who translates mission requirements into flight-ready composite structures.
My career began in 2015 at a marine composites facility, where I spent three years mastering vacuum infusion techniques and working with carbon-kevlar weaves for high-performance boat hulls. In 2018, I pivoted to aviation, joining a UAV startup in Windsor as a structural analyst. Since 2021, I have been the lead airframe designer, responsible for the complete aerodynamic profiling and structural validation of our reconnaissance and strike platforms.
My daily workflow involves generating complex 3D surface models in CATIA and running FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to predict how the wing spars will behave under +4G pull-up maneuvers. I calculate the exact center of gravity (CG) for various payload configurations, ensuring that the aircraft remains statically stable. I also design the internal ribbing and bulkheads, optimizing the ply orientation of the carbon fiber to minimize weight while maximizing torsional stiffness. I regularly conduct wind tunnel testing and correlate the empirical data with my simulation models to refine the airfoil profiles.
I hold a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering and possess a deep understanding of composite material properties and failure modes. I am highly analytical, patient enough to iterate a wing design through five different prototypes, and uncompromising on structural safety margins. I am looking for a full-time, on-site design role in Windsor, ON, targeting $75,000 CAD.