Aerospace Thermal & Fluid Systems Engineer (CFD & Modeling)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Medical and dental

Employer-matched 401(k)

Pension plan

Employee referral program

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in the San Diego area seeks a Thermal- and Fluid-Systems Analysis Engineer to design and analyze propulsion and thermal management for next‑gen unmanned aircraft.

The role leads CFD analyses of internal combustion engines, develops MATLAB/Simulink models, and supports engine integration and cooling system design while collaborating with airframe and controls teams. A 9/80 schedule and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in mechanical or aerospace engineering with progressive experience.
• Proficiency in Python and MATLAB for scientific computing and workflow automation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFD studies of engines, intake/exhaust, and propulsion-airframe integration.
• Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink models for engine performance and thermal systems.
• Analyze air and liquid cooling, and fuel system architectures across design phases.
• Perform thermal and fluid system trade studies to optimize cooling, weight, and integration.
• Contribute to internal toolchains, and participate in design reviews and test readiness reviews.

Skills

Python programming

MATLAB/Simulink

CFD analysis

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Thermal management

Engine fundamentals

System modeling

Security clearance desirability

CFD workflow ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

CONVERGE

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS Fluent

GT-SUITE

AMESim

Ricardo WAVE

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in the San Diego area seeks a Thermal- and Fluid-Systems Analysis Engineer to design and analyze propulsion and thermal management for next‑gen unmanned aircraft.

The role leads CFD analyses of internal combustion engines, develops MATLAB/Simulink models, and supports engine integration and cooling system design while collaborating with airframe and controls teams. A 9/80 schedule and comprehensive benefits are offered.