Senior Propulsion and Energetics Analyst (Fluids)

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision.

About the role

The Propulsion and Energetics team creates the hardware that facilitates high maneuverability on-orbit and in the upper atmosphere. As a Senior Propulsion and Energetics Analyst, you will build simulation toolboxes to advance Inversion’s propulsion systems. You will collaborate with design engineers to evaluate and improve propulsion and high-energy systems using tools like ANSYS CFX, Fluent, Sinda/Fluint, StarCCM, OpenFOAM, or COMSOL. The ideal candidate works autonomously, thrives in a fast-paced environment, interfaces with multiple stakeholders, and has strong documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform and document fluid and thermal analysis of bipropellant rocket engines, tanks, components, feed systems, and heat exchangers
• Lead analytical modeling of liquid-gas interactions in injector spray to predict atomization, mixing, and thermal non-equilibrium; interface with design engineers to communicate results
• Develop an analysis program to mature confidence in parallel with hardware maturity, advancing design concepts from early-stage to test-ready
• Size and analyze flow restrictors, flow controllers, PMDs, and baffles
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to plan testing that validates key analysis assumptions
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to peers

Requirements

• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in fluid analysis of rocket engines, rocket stages, combustion devices, or similar
• Deeply proficient in all stages of the CFD workflow (mesh generation, setup, convergence, post-processing, iteration, automation)
• Familiar with StarCCM, CFX, Fluent, COMSOL, or OpenFOAM
• Deep understanding of modeling liquid-gas interactions, multi-component and multi-phase flow, phase change, and conjugate heat transfer
• Demonstrated experience creating custom solvers for CFD simulations
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• Able to communicate complex simulation results to a range of stakeholders

Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 8+ years of industry experience in fluid analysis of rocket engines, rocket stages, combustion devices, or similar
• Experience with customizing CFD solvers to capture complex physics
• Experience with end-to-end CFD simulation of high-temperature, multi-fluid, multi-phase, multi-domain problems
• Experience interpreting test data for validation and anchoring of CFD modeling methods
• Proficient in MATLAB or Python for creation of post-process automation and analysis tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Pay

The California annual base salary for this role is $137,000 - $193,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities, and internal equity.

Schedule

This position requires in-office presence at our headquarters in Playa Vista, CA.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.