ForeFlight · 3 hours ago
Performance Engineer
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$110K/yr - $140K/yr
5+ years expJeppesen ForeFlight is a leading provider of innovative aviation software solutions, serving various aviation sectors globally. The Aircraft Performance Engineer will advance the design, validation, and deployment of aircraft performance models and algorithms to enhance flight efficiency capabilities.
Airlines/Aviation
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
Experience building or maintaining software components in a cloud environment (AWS preferred)
Familiarity with API-based architectures, including REST or GraphQL
Knowledge of data pipeline tools (e.g., AWS Glue, Lambda, Step Functions, or Airflow)
Exposure to TypeScript or JavaScript for integration testing, automation, or visualization purposes
Understanding of PostgreSQL or other relational databases for storing model parameters or flight data
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins)
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
Company
ForeFlight
ForeFlight was founded in 2007 by aviation entrepreneurs who set out to build elegant, high-performing flight planning and flight bag apps for pilots.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Adam Houghton
Co-Founder / Executive Adviser
Tyson W.
Co-Founder
Company data provided by crunchbase