Lead CFD Engineer
Core
Lead high-fidelity CFD analysis to characterize aerodynamic and ballistic performance of air-launched effects, tactical interceptors, and next-generation munitions from concept through flight test correlation.
Role type
Senior IC lead CFD engineer (aerodynamics)
Builds
Aerodynamic databases and performance models for missiles and interceptors
Domain
Defense / High-speed aerodynamics
Required skills
RANS, URANS, DES, mesh generation, grid convergence studies, HPC workflow automation, wind tunnel data validation, flight test correlation, technical mentorship, program resource allocation
Preferred skills
Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, experience with complex high-speed vehicle geometries
Technologies
CFD solvers, HPC environments, automated scripting
Responsibilities
Lead high-fidelity CFD analysis across speed regimes to characterize drag, lift, moment coefficients, and stability derivatives; Establish shared analysis standards and document procedures for CFD-based aerodynamic database development; Validate CFD models against wind tunnel and flight test data and lead root-cause investigation of discrepancies; Develop mesh generation and grid convergence techniques for complex, high-speed vehicle geometries; Collaborate with Design, Propulsion, GNC, Analysis, and Systems Engineering to integrate aerodynamic performance data into vehicle-level design; Present technical findings and CFD methodology at design reviews; Mentor and provide technical guidance to other aerodynamics and CFD engineers; Develop and lead automated workflows and scripts for batch HPC job generation and data reduction; Perform lightweight HPC administrative responsibilities such as tracking compute usage and software licensing.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with mentorship responsibilities