Aerothermal Engineer II
Core
Develop and execute computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses to solve novel challenges in vehicle entry heating and supersonic retropropulsion, and drive the design of major rocket system elements like fins, flaps, heat shields, and primary structure.
Role type
Aerothermal Engineer II (IC)
Builds
Terran R rocket systems including thermal protection systems and aerodynamic components
Domain
Aerospace / Rocketry / Aerothermodynamics
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
compressible flow analysis, CFD workflows (external flow, engine plume), thermal analysis, conjugate heat transfer, Python, HPC cluster usage, uncertainty quantification, cross-disciplinary design problem solving
Preferred skills
thermal protection system sizing & analysis (FIAT, CHAR, MINIVER, LAURA), aerothermal instrumentation, wind tunnel testing, flight testing experience
Technologies
FUN3D, Star-CCM+, Python, HPC clusters, FIAT, CHAR, MINIVER, LAURA
Responsibilities
Develop and execute CFD analyses for vehicle entry heating and supersonic retropropulsion; Design major system elements (fins, flaps, heat shields, primary structure) to meet temperature and heating criteria; Guide and mentor hardware engineers on aerothermal requirements; Scope and develop aerothermal databases for ascent and entry; Size thermal protection systems (TPS) for flight; Mature tools for developing and communicating aerothermal data
Seniority
Mid-level IC (2+ years experience)
