Aerospace Engineer – M&S - MDAO

CFD Research Corporation; Beavercreek (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)

Medical, vision & dental insurance

Paid leave & parental leave

Job summary

CFD Research seeks an engineer to advance multi‑disciplinary analysis and optimization for hypersonic aerospace systems. You will apply physics‑based modeling and multi‑physics simulations to improve performance and resilience of future platforms.

The role emphasizes Python, Linux, MDAO methods, and collaboration with DoD customers and AFRL. A Bachelor’s in a technical field is required, with strong tool proficiency and a drive for research excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline is required.
• Proficiency with Python and Linux-based systems.
• Experience applying physics-based modeling and multi-physics analysis.
• Knowledge of gradient-based and gradient-free optimization methods.

Responsibilities

• Apply modeling/optimization to multidisciplinary aerospace analyses.
• Support high‑fidelity simulations for hypersonic platforms.
• Collaborate with DoD customers and AFRL on deployment of tools.

Skills

Python

Linux

MDAO

Optimization methods

6DOF engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related

Tools

CAD

OpenVSP

ESP

Missile DATCOM

CBAERO

Kestrel

Git

CI/CD

Fortran

C++

Job description

About CFD Research

Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee‑owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

CFD Research is developing and applying multi‑disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) processes for advanced aerospace systems. This work integrates physics‑based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced analysis methods, and optimization techniques to enable more efficient design exploration, system evaluation, and performance improvement.

We are seeking an engineer with the intellectual curiosity and technical depth needed to support the development of next‑generation aerospace capabilities. This role will apply advanced modeling and simulation techniques to multi‑disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO), with emphasis on hypersonic flight and extreme combined environments, aeroelasticity, and multifunctional structural simulations. The candidate will conduct research into high‑performance structures operating under severe thermal, aerodynamic, and mechanical loading to help resolve current system challenges and improve the performance, resilience, and design of future platforms. The candidate will also support delivery and deployment of modeling and optimization processes to the Air Force Research Laboratory and other DoD customers.

Requirements

• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• Proficiency with Python and Linux‑based operating systems
• Experience developing or applying physics‑based modeling and simulation methods to support multi‑disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) of aerospace systems, including coupled or multi‑physics analysis in areas such as external aerodynamics, heat transfer, structural modeling, or aerothermoelasticity
• Experience with formal optimization methods, including gradient‑based and gradient‑free techniques
• Experience with 6DOF engagement simulation and/or mission simulation tools

Preferred Qualities

• Master’s or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• Experience with geometry modeling tools such as CAD, OpenVSP, or ESP
• Experience with aerodynamic modeling tools such as Missile DATCOM, CBAERO, or Kestrel
• Proficiency with compiled languages, especially C++ or Fortran
• Familiarity with reduced‑order modeling (ROM), surrogate modeling, supervised machine learning, or other data‑driven modeling techniques
• Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control concepts
• Proficiency with software development best practices, including Git, code linting, testing, and CI/CD
• Experience with containerized workflows and deployment of software

Benefits

CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full‑Time, permanent employee‑owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long‑term and short‑term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part‑Time and Temporary employee‑owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.