Aero-Structures Engineer

Cosmicport; Tamil Nadu; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Cosmicport is seeking a skilled engineer for aerodynamics, structural analysis and load design for its launch vehicle development programme in Tamil Nadu, India. The role involves close collaboration with propulsion, GNC, mechanical, avionics and systems teams to ensure a safe, lightweight and flight-worthy vehicle.

The candidate will perform CFD and external aerodynamic analyses, develop in-house tools, conduct heat-transfer studies, and support sensor integration for test data correlation and

Qualifications

• B.Tech/M.Tech in Aerospace, Structural, or related fields is advantageous.
• Strong fundamentals in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and FEA.
• Hands-on experience with CFD and/or structural analysis tools.
• Ability to interpret CAD models and engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Perform aerodynamic analysis of launch vehicle configurations across flight regimes.
• Develop CFD models and validate against wind-tunnel/flight-test data.
• Perform structural analysis and sizing of primary/secondary structures.
• Support development of load cases and provide design inputs to CAD teams.
• Correlate analytical results with experimental data and prepare reports.

Job description

Aerodynamics, structural analysis, vehicle loads and structural design for Cosmicport's launch vehicle development programme. Thoothukudi, TamilNadu, India

The role involves close interaction with the propulsion, GNC, mechanical, avionics, and systems engineering teams to develop a safe, lightweight, and flight-worthy launch vehicle.

Key Responsibilities

1. Aerodynamics

• Perform aerodynamic analysis of launch vehicle configurations across various flight regimes and operating conditions.
• Analyse aerodynamic characteristics of launch vehicle components, including nose cones, fins/control surfaces, interstages, and other external components.
• Develop Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, including geometry preparation, mesh generation, simulation setup, execution, validation, and post-processing for aerodynamic force and moment prediction.
• Perform external aerodynamic analysis of launch vehicles and support geometry optimization to improve aerodynamic performance and overall vehicle efficiency.
• Correlate CFD predictions with wind-tunnel and flight-test data and support validation of aerodynamic models.
• Develop, analyse, and validate in-house computational tools and software for launch vehicle aerodynamic and performance prediction.
• Perform heat-transfer and aerothermodynamic analyses across relevant mission phases, including atmospheric ascent and re-entry conditions.
• Support the selection and integration of aerodynamic sensors and data acquisition systems for experimental testing, data collection, and CFD/model correlation.

2. Structural Analysis

• Perform structural analysis and sizing of launch vehicle primary and secondary structures.
• Develop and maintain FEA models of launch vehicle components and assemblies.
• Perform static structural analysis, modal analysis, buckling analysis, dynamic/vibration analysis, and thermal-structural analysis where required.
• Analyse structural response to thrust, pressure, aerodynamic, inertial, and thermal loads.
• Evaluate structural margins and identify critical load cases.
• Support structural sizing and mass optimization of tanks, interstages, frames, bulkheads, thrust structures, and other load-bearing components.

3. Launch Vehicle Loads & Design Support

• Support development of structural design load cases for different phases of flight.
• Evaluate axial/lateral acceleration, aerodynamic loads, Max-Q, wind/gust loads, thrust loads, and transient loads.
• Work with the GNC/trajectory team to obtain relevant flight conditions and load cases.
• Provide structural requirements and design inputs to the CAD/mechanical design team.
• Review structural designs and recommend modifications for strength, stiffness, weight, and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions.

4. Testing & Correlation

• Support structural qualification and proof testing of launch vehicle components.
• Correlate analytical results with experimental/test data.
• Investigate structural issues identified during testing and recommend corrective actions.
• Support preparation of analysis and test reports.

Required Qualifications

• B.Tech/M.Tech in Aerospace, Structural, or related fields will be an advantage.
• Strong fundamentals in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and FEA.
• Hands-on experience with CFD and/or structural analysis tools.
• Ability to interpret CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Software Skills

Experience with one or more of the following:

CFD: ANSYS Fluent/CFX, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, SU2, or equivalent.

FEA: ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN/PATRAN, HyperMesh, or equivalent.

Others: SolidWorks/CATIA/NX, MATLAB, or Python.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience or project exposure in the following areas will be preferred:

• Launch vehicle / rocket / missile aerodynamics
• Aerospace structural analysis
• Supersonic aerodynamics
• FEA of thin-walled structures
• Buckling of cylindrical shells
• Pressurized/cryogenic tank analysis
• Structural dynamics and modal analysis
• Aeroelasticity / FSI
• Thrust-frame and engine mounting structures
• Composite aerospace structures

Experience

1–3 years: Graduates with strong academic/research projects and hands-on CFD/FEA experience may apply.