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Role Description

The Aircraft Performance Engineer will play a key role in advancing the design, validation, and deployment of aircraft performance models and algorithms that power Jeppesen ForeFlight’s next generation of flight efficiency capabilities. This position combines aircraft performance expertise with modern software development practices. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across engineering disciplines — from aerodynamic modeling to data pipelines and API integration.

• Develop, calibrate, and validate aircraft performance models using manufacturer data, flight test results, and recorded flight data
• Analyze aerodynamic, propulsion, and weight characteristics to quantify performance across all flight phases
• Derive and optimize algorithms that translate aircraft performance parameters into actionable flight guidance
• Collaborate with software engineers and data scientists to integrate performance models into production systems and applications
• Contribute to data interface specifications, API design, and service-level requirements for aircraft performance services
• Ensure model implementations are computationally efficient, scalable, and consistent with operational accuracy standards
• Analyze flight data (QAR/FDR) to identify trends, anomalies, and performance deviations
• Develop and maintain scripts and tools to process and visualize large flight datasets
• Perform statistical validation of model outputs using empirical flight data and automated regression testing
• Develop and execute verification test plans for new or updated aircraft performance models
• Document assumptions, inputs, limitations, and validation results for internal review and audit
• Collaborate with product, QA, and customer teams to ensure high confidence and traceability of performance results
• Partner with cross-functional teams in flight operations, data science, and mobile development to align model outputs with operational use cases
• Communicate complex technical findings clearly to stakeholders of varying technical backgrounds
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert on aircraft performance and flight efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5–10 years of experience in aircraft performance engineering, flight physics, or operational analysis
• Strong understanding of aerodynamic theory, propulsion performance, weight and balance, and flight mechanics
• Experience working with aircraft manufacturer documentation such as AFM, FCOM, and FPPM
• Proficiency with Python for numerical modeling, data analysis, and automation (NumPy, pandas, SciPy)
• Experience handling and analyzing recorded flight data (QAR, FDR, or similar formats)
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and collaborative software development practices
• Strong communication skills and an ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment

Requirements

• Experience building or maintaining software components in a cloud environment (AWS preferred)
• Knowledge of airline operations, cost index theory, and flight optimization principles
• Experience working at an airline in a performance engineering role
• Experience contributing to or consuming mobile application services (Swift or Kotlin) is a plus
• Pilot or aviation enthusiast

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance with Employer paid health premiums
• Open PTO Policy
• 401(k) with up to 10% company matching and immediate vesting
• 12 Weeks Paid Maternity Leave
• 4 Weeks Paid Paternity Leave
• Flight Training Rewards
• Tuition Stipend
• Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well market and business considerations: Summary Pay Range: $152,000-$198,000