AI / Simulation Principal Engineer

About the role

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced technical leader with deep expertise in physics-based modeling and simulation, particularly in CFD, thermal-fluid sciences, fire and explosion modeling, refrigerant leakage, battery thermal runaway, combustion, multiphase flows, turbulence modeling, and electronic cooling. A core requirement of this role is strong expertise in simulation Verification & Validation (V&V), including application of industry-recognized frameworks best practices for ensuring model credibility and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal technical authority for advanced simulation projects involving CFD, fire/explosion, refrigerant leakage, battery thermal runaway, combustion, multiphase flows, turbulence modeling, and electronic cooling.
• Lead and enforce simulation Verification & Validation (V&V) methodologies, ensuring alignment with ASME V&V 10 / V&V 20 standards, NASA CFD and modeling credibility guidelines, Oberkampf & Roy (Verification and Validation in Scientific Computing) principles, etc.
• Define and implement best practices for:
  • Code verification and solution verification
  • Model validation against experimental data
  • Uncertainty quantification (UQ)
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Grid convergence and mesh independence studies
  • Error estimation and documentation of model limitations
• Establish model credibility frameworks for simulation-based decision-making, especially for safety-critical applications.
• Lead simulation-based investigations in:
• Refrigerant leakage and dispersion (flammability and ignition risk)
• Battery thermal runaway propagation and vent gas hazards
• Fire, smoke, and explosion dynamics
• Combustion and reacting flows
• Multiphase and phase-change systems
• Electronics cooling and thermal reliability
• Ensure test-to-simulation correlation and apply structured V&V approaches to build confidence in simulation predictions.
• Develop and review technical reports and documentation with clear articulation of:
  • Modeling assumptions
  • Validation evidence
  • Uncertainty bounds
  • Applicability and limitations of the model
• Act as the technical approver/reviewer for high-impact simulation studies, ensuring V&V rigor before results are used for certification or decision-making.
• Guide teams in selecting appropriate modeling approaches (analytical, CFD, reduced order, and digital twins) based on required fidelity and validation maturity.
• Work closely with testing, certification, and regulatory teams to ensure simulation outputs are aligned with engineering standards and safety requirements.
• Mentor engineers on V&V best practices, simulation credibility, and physics-based modeling techniques.
• Contribute to the development of internal V&V guidelines, checklists, and simulation governance frameworks.
• Represent the organization in external technical forums, standard committees, and discussions related to simulation credibility and digital engineering.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. / Master’s in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Fire Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or related field (Ph.D. preferred) with 10–12+ years of experience in CFD, simulation, safety engineering, or applied R&D.
• The candidate is not only a subject-matter expert in simulation physics but also a recognized authority in simulation credibility and V&V.
• The candidate should be capable of ensuring that simulation outputs are technically defensible, repeatable, validated, and suitable for high-stakes engineering and certification decisions.
• The candidate must demonstrate the ability to bridge advanced physics modeling with structured validation frameworks, enabling confident decision-making in safety-critical applications.
• Proficiency in CFD tools: ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, CONVERGE, FDSStrong fundamentals in: Turbulence (RANS, LES), Heat transfer, Combustion & fire modeling, and Multiphase flowsHands-on experience in: Refrigerant leakage & gas dispersion, Fire / explosion modeling, Thermal & safety simulationsExperience in test correlation, validation, and technical reportingAbility to lead complex engineering problems and work with cross-functional teamsStrong communication and documentation skillsExperience in safety, certification, or regulated environments

Skills

• Basic scripting (Python/MATLAB)
• CFD | Combustion | Multiphase Flow | Refrigerant Leakage | Fire & Explosion | V&V | Thermal Analysis | Risk Assessment

Pay

$142,000 to $190,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time