Aerospace Engineer IV

Davita Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Engineer specialized in hypersonic systems. The role demands technical leadership in various engineering processes including design, testing, and evaluation of hypersonic technologies. Candidates should possess extensive experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to mentor others in a complex, high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience, including 5 years in hypersonics.
• Strong understanding of materials engineering for extreme environments.
• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design and integration of hypersonic systems.
• Support systems engineering activities including requirements definition and risk management.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide SME input across multidisciplinary domains.

Skills

High-speed aerodynamics

Thermal management

Materials engineering

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

ANSYS

MATLAB

CFD tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership in the design, analysis, testing, and integration of hypersonic systems, including glide vehicles, boosters, guidance/navigation, and thermal protection systems.
• Support systems engineering activities such as requirements definition, risk management, interface control, and verification/validation (V&V).
• Review and evaluate contractor technical proposals, system designs, and test plans for compliance with performance, safety, and reliability standards.
• Lead or support flight test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Contribute to technology maturation plans, modeling and simulation activities, and digital engineering initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports, briefings, and documentation for senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide SME input across multidisciplinary domains.

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience, including 5 years in hypersonics, missile systems, or advanced weapon development.
• Strong understanding of high-speed aerodynamics, thermal management, and materials engineering for extreme environments.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, test and evaluation protocols, and system development lifecycles.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting Navy, DARPA, or OSD-led hypersonic initiatives.
• Experience with digital engineering tools such as Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), ANSYS, MATLAB, or CFD tools.
• Knowledge of Navy-specific mission requirements and platforms.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.