Principal Engineer, Specialized Pump Applications (Space, Cryogenic & Extreme Environments)

Softinway inc; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SoftInWay Inc. seeks a Principal Engineer to extend the AxSTREAM software platform for space, cryogenic, and extreme-environment pump applications.

You will close physics-modeling gaps and apply the work to real pump design, partnering with clients on demanding propulsion challenges. The role blends physics modeling, software development, and hands‑on turbomachinery design with direct client engagement, roadmap shaping, and collaborative proposals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field with 5+ years CFD/turbomachinery experience.
• Hands-on CFD and turbomachinery modeling, able to validate or extend models.
• Real pump/turbomachinery design experience, not modeling alone.
• Experience with cryogenic fluids or extreme-condition dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Identify and close physics-modeling gaps in AxSTREAM for space and extreme-environment pump applications.
• Apply improved modeling to pump and component design — sizing, configuration trade-offs, materials.
• Develop validation data through client relationships and public/academic sources.
• Collaborate with clients and the software team to shape the technical roadmap.
• Support technical proposals and client engagements as this work grows.

Skills

CFD & turbomachinery modeling

Hands-on turbomachinery design

Client engagement

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

MS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

AxSTREAM

CFD software

Job description

Principal Engineer, Specialized Pump Applications (Space, Cryogenic & Extreme Environments)

We are looking for a Principal Engineer to extend our AxSTREAM software platform for space, cryogenic, and extreme-environment applications. In this role, you will close key physics-modeling gaps for these applications and apply that work to real pump design.

Why should you apply:

• Extend a real, established technical capability into space and extreme-environment applications
• Work at the intersection of physics modeling, software, and hands‑on turbomachinery design
• Engage directly with clients already working on space and extreme-environment pump applications

Responsibilities:

• Identify and close physics-modeling gaps in AxSTREAM for space and extreme-environment pump applications (cavitation in microgravity, cryogenic/non-standard fluids, extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions)
• Apply improved modeling to real pump and component design — sizing, configuration trade-offs, materials, manufacturability
• Assess and build out validation data through client relationships and public/academic sources
• Work with clients and the software team to shape the technical roadmap for this work
• Support technical proposals and client engagements as this work grows

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or related field, plus 5+ years of relevant experience in CFD/turbomachinery modeling — or MS with 10+ years of directly relevant hands‑on experience
• Hands‑on CFD and turbomachinery modeling experience, with the ability to validate or extend numerical models directly
• Real pump or turbomachinery design experience — not modeling alone
• Direct experience with cryogenic fluids, two‑phase flow, or other extreme‑condition fluid dynamics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with cryogenic turbopumps or liquid rocket propellant systems (LOX, LH2, methane, or similar)
• Experience with cryogenic systems in adjacent fields — fusion magnet cooling, cryogenic equipment design, high‑vacuum systems, LNG, hydrogen infrastructure, industrial gas, or semiconductor vacuum systems
• Peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations (AIAA, ASME Turbo Expo), or patents
• Prior experience at a national lab, aerospace propulsion group, or fusion energy company

Job Type: Full-time Location: Boston, MA or Bristol, UK