Senior Kinetics DE/CD Engineer

About the role

Leidos’ Defense Systems Kinetics Business Area is seeking a Senior Digital Engineering and Computational Dynamics Engineer to join our team as part of the Strategic High-speed Advanced Development Organization. This position offers an opportunity to apply domain knowledge to digital engineering and CFD modeling and simulation for conceptual system design, providing operational analysis and military utility assessments for our nation’s defense.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, validate, and execute CFD simulations for low-speed and high-speed aerodynamic concepts.
• Generate high-quality computational meshes using industry-standard meshing software such as Pointwise or Capstone.
• Utilize advanced CFD solvers and codes (e.g., Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, US3D) for aerodynamic analysis and performance prediction.
• Conduct 6-DoF performance analysis and support flight dynamics assessments.
• Perform Fluid-Structural-Thermal Interaction (FTSI) analyses to evaluate coupled system behavior under operational environments.
• Apply stability and controls knowledge to assess and optimize vehicle performance and handling qualities.
• Develop and automate analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate results and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of flight test plans and range safety reviews as required.
• Translate highly technical concepts to program managers, government stakeholders, and customers.

Required Skills

• 12+ years of experience in digital engineering, CFD modeling, simulation, and/or analysis for aerospace applications.
• Aptitude with CFD meshing tools such as Pointwise or Capstone.
• Hands-on experience with CFD codes including Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, and/or US3D.
• Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc.
• Strong background in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, stability and control.
• Applied digital twin concepts. Connecting requirements, design, manufacturing, and sustainment into one ecosystem.
• Familiarity with Cameo, JIRA, and Confluence tools.
• Experience/knowledge of developing and updating DoDAF Views.
• Experience with 6-DoF analysis and flight dynamics modeling.
• Practice in and/or understanding various forms of dynamics and multi-physics modeling in a digital engineering environment:
• Trajectory Analysis (3DOF/6DOF)
• Rigid Body Analysis (NDOF)
• Thermal Analysis (ATAP, Cinda Fluid, Ansys)
• Structural Analysis (Ansys, ADAMS)
• Aerodynamics (MDC, Cart3d, Kestrel, etc.)
• Underwater Hydrodynamics
• AI/ML (neuro networks, MDAO)
• Experience or awareness in various vehicle types (not all inclusive): Cruisers (Supersonic and Hypersonic), Missiles, Interceptors, RVs, Glide Bodies.
• Excellent communication, technical writing, and teamwork skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated capability in Fluid-Structural-Thermal Interaction (FTSI) analysis.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and MATLAB for simulation automation and data analysis.
• Proficiency and/or hands on experience with UPBEAT.
• Familiarity with C++ and object-oriented programming.
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
• Software Development Experience: Python, Windows/Linux, OSGit/SVN, CMMI, Coding standard experience.
• Experience performing V&V and VV&A on M&SGround Test and/or Flight Test experience.
• Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $131,300.00 - $237,350.00. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.