Hypersonic Aerospace Engineer

CFD Research is developing and applying multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) processes for advanced aerospace systems. This work integrates physics-based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced analysis methods, and optimization techniques to enable more efficient design exploration, system evaluation, and performance improvement.

We are seeking an engineer with the intellectual curiosity and technical depth needed to support the development of next-generation aerospace capabilities. This role will apply advanced modeling and simulation techniques to multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO), with emphasis on hypersonic flight and extreme combined environments, aeroelasticity, and multifunctional structural simulations. The candidate will conduct research into the coupled aerodynamic, thermal, and structural behavior of hypersonic systems to help resolve current system challenges and improve the performance, resilience, and design of future platforms. The candidate will also support delivery and deployment of modeling and optimization processes to the Air Force Research Laboratory and other DoD customers.

Requirements:

• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 2+ years of experience in aerodynamic or aerothermal analysis of missile, hypersonic, or other high-speed aerospace systems
• Demonstrated experience applying high-fidelity CFD tools such as CFD++, STAR-CCM+, or Kestrel to support aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis of high-speed aerospace systems
• Strong technical background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), grid generation, hypersonic flow physics, wind tunnel testing, and aerodynamic model development
• Experience with coupled or multiphysics analysis involving aerodynamic, thermal, and structural effects
• Experience developing or integrating physics-based modeling and simulation methods within multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) workflows, including the use of frameworks such as OpenMDAO
• Proficiency with Python and Linux-based operating systems
• Experience with formal optimization methods, including gradient-based and gradient-free techniques

Preferred Qualities

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic or aerothermal analysis of missile, hypersonic, or other high-speed aerospace systems
• Proficiency with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis tools such as Missile DATCOM, CBAERO, Kestrel, or STAR-CCM+ 
• Proficiency with finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal-structural analysis tools such as Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, or Nastran Experience with geometry modeling tools such as CAD, OpenVSP, or Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP)
• Proficiency with compiled languages, especially C++ or Fortran
• Familiarity with reduced-order modeling (ROM), surrogate modeling, supervised machine learning, or other data-driven modeling techniques
• Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control concepts
• Proficiency with software development best practices, including Git, code linting, testing, and CI/CD
• Experience with containerized workflows and deployment of software