Aerothermal Engineer

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. Bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth.

About the role

The Aerothermal Engineer will support NASA’s pursuits in deep space exploration as part of the JETSII Contract. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be required. Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of high-speed Earth entry aerothermodynamics to human-rated spacecraft.
• Utilize NASA Aerothermal CFD solvers for spacecraft entry analysis.
• Create CFD grids utilizing grid generation software.
• Create CFD visualizations.
• Analyze and interpret ground test and flight data from aerodynamic and aerothermal perspectives.
• Perform detailed aerothermodynamic analysis over a wide range of flight regimes.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited engineering school and eight (8) years of direct engineering experience, or an MS degree and five (5) years of direct engineering experience, or a Ph.D.
• Expertise in high-speed aerothermodynamics.
• Experience with a NASA Aerothermal CFD solver (DPLR, LAURA, LociCHEM, US3D, HyperSolve, FUN3D).
• Expertise in entry vehicles including supersonic and hypersonic flows, aerodynamics, trajectories, and aerothermodynamic analysis.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and various contractor employees.

Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering.
• Expertise in interpretation of ground test and flight data.
• Experience with hypersonic test facilities.
• Expertise in boundary layer transition modeling.
• Familiarity with cavity, protuberance, blowing, and roughness induced boundary layer transition.
• Experience with CFD database management and post processing automation for dissemination of downstream products.
• Experience automating analyses with programming tools like C++ and Python.
• Experience with CFD visualization tools like Tecplot, FieldView, or Paraview.
• Experience with CFD grid generation software like Pointwise or Hypermesh.
• Experience with modern software best practices like software repositories and CI/CD.
• Experience utilizing AI/ML techniques.
• Experience with configuration management.

Work Environment

• Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.
• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Benefits

• Excellent personal and professional career growth.
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable.
• Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching).
• Educational reimbursement.
• Parental leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Tax-saving options.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Pet insurance.

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements.