Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer II
Core
Develop aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for hypersonic reentry vehicles from rarefied entry to subsonic terminal approach, serving as authoritative input for GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis.
Role type
Senior IC aerodynamics and flight mechanics engineer
Builds
Aerodynamic databases, flight rules, and performance models for hypersonic reentry vehicles
Domain
Aerospace engineering, hypersonic flight, orbital reentry
Required skills
CFD and DSMC simulation, wind tunnel data reduction, 6DOF flight dynamics modeling, mesh generation, database development, MATLAB/Python proficiency
Preferred skills
Hypersonic vehicle development experience, POST2 6DOF modeling, TPS sizing, flight reconstruction, cross-disciplinary technical breadth
Technologies
Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, CBAero, Pointwise, POST2
Responsibilities
Own aerodynamic database development across full flight envelope; plan and reduce wind tunnel campaign data; run high-fidelity CFD/DSMC simulations; characterize static/dynamic stability and develop flight rules; synthesize aerodynamic evidence into traceable databases; lead post-flight reconstruction and model updates; collaborate across GNC, structures, and TPS teams
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC