Aerodynamic Separation Simulation Intern

This is a summer internship focused on supporting high‑fidelity simulation, modelling, and analysis of the Aerodynamic Separation Process (ASP) used for isotope enrichment. The intern will contribute to CFD and related modelling activities for high‑speed compressible and rarefied gas flows, working closely with the simulation and experimental teams to help understand and improve ASP device performance. The role is designed as a hands‑on learning opportunity, providing exposure to advanced flow physics, numerical methods, and simulation best practices in a fast‑paced development environment. This position is based in Austin, TX, with potential flexibility for limited remote work depending on project needs.

Legal & Compliance Notice
Regulatory & Export Control Notice
Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) conducts business in the nuclear technology and advanced materials sectors, which are subject to strict export control, non-proliferation, and national security regulations.
 
Employment with QLE may require compliance with one or more of the following regulatory frameworks, depending on work location and role scope:

• United States: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
• United Kingdom: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK Strategic Export Control regulations administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
• South Africa: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Non-Proliferation Council regulations under the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

 
Certain positions may require “U.S. person” status (as defined by 10 CFR Part 810 or EAR Part 772) and/or the ability to obtain and maintain applicable export control authorizations or security clearances. QLE complies with all relevant national and international export control, non-proliferation, and security requirements in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
 
Equal Opportunity Statement
Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up, running, and post‑processing CFD and related simulations of ASP enrichment systems, under the guidance of senior simulation engineers.
• Support geometry preparation, meshing, boundary‑condition definition, and basic model configuration for simulations involving high‑speed, compressible, and rarefied gas flows.
• Help implement and document simulation best practices, including model assumptions, numerical settings, and basic checks for solution quality and convergence.
• Contribute to comparisons between simulation results and experimental data, helping to organize datasets and generate plots or simple analyzes for verification and validation activities.
• Participate in simulation‑based parametric studies to understand the impact of key design and operational parameters on flow structure and separation performance.
• Prepare clear figures, short technical notes, and slide content that summarize methods and results for internal reviews.
• Collaborate with experimentalists, process engineers, and other interns to ensure simulation tasks are aligned with active test campaigns and broader technical priorities.
• Other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements

• Solid understanding of fluid mechanics, with coursework in compressible flow and/or high‑speed aerodynamics; exposure to rarefied gas dynamics is a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in setting up, running, and interpreting high‑fidelity simulations for complex internal flows, including experience with commercial and/or open‑source CFD tools and supporting analysis environments (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Basic understanding of transport theory and kinetic descriptions of gases (e.g., Boltzmann/GBE‑based approaches, DSMC, or gas‑kinetic schemes) and their practical approximation within engineering CFD frameworks.
• Experience using experimental data to validate, benchmark, and calibrate models, close modeling gaps, and refine test objectives is a plus.
• Understanding and experience applying verification and validation principles and uncertainty quantification methods.
• Excellent problem‑solving, optimization, and systems‑thinking skills, with demonstrated experience in using simulations to drive design changes that materially improve hardware or process performance.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate modeling assumptions, limitations, and risk implications to diverse audiences.
• Experience with Star-CCM+ or other relevant codes a plus.
• Current involvement in a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, with a strong emphasis on fluid mechanics and/or high‑speed flows.
• Prior project, research, or coursework experience involving CFD, high‑speed or compressible flows, or rarefied gas dynamics is strongly preferred but not strictly required.
• Experience working with experimental data (e.g., lab courses or research projects) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to complete technical projects independently and present results clearly (e.g., class projects, design teams, or research).