CFD Propulsion Research Engineer

Altus, LLC; Aberdeen Proving Ground (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Altus Engineering is seeking a CFD Propulsion Research Engineer for their Aberdeen Proving Ground office. In this role, you will perform high-fidelity CFD modeling and simulation to analyze propulsion systems, including guns and rockets. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and experience conducting research in propulsion and combustion processes. Proficiency in CFD tools like ANSYS Fluent, along with a willingness to obtain a SECRET clearance, is required. The role comes with excellent benefits including health insurance and a 401(k).

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in propulsion systems research.
• Proficiency in developing and analyzing CFD simulations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-fidelity CFD modeling for propulsion systems.
• Analyze simulation results for combustion insights.
• Prepare and present technical reports to stakeholders.

Skills

CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent)

Data analysis (MATLAB, Python)

Combustion processes knowledge

Fluid dynamics understanding

Thermodynamics principles

Continuum mechanics principles

Analytical documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree in relevant field

PhD in relevant discipline

Tools

ANSYS Fluent

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Title: CFD Propulsion Research Engineer

Company: Altus Engineering

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Salary: $100,000-$200,000

Position Overview

Altus Engineering is currently seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Propulsion Research Engineer to support modeling, simulation, and analysis of propulsion systems including gun, rocket, and air‑breathing technologies.

About Us: Founded in 2003, Altus Engineering is a Maryland-based small business providing professional engineering services to the Department of Defense and industry customers. These include high-quality software development services, system modeling and simulation, scientific research, and performing engineering analysis of combat systems and personnel vulnerabilities. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding professional and technical services through building and empowering teams that will continue to grow with us.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high‑fidelity, multiphase, reactive flow CFD modeling and simulation to evaluate combustion behavior and propulsion dynamics for gun, rocket, and air‑breathing systems.
• Perform analysis of simulation results to develop insights into the physics governing propulsion and combustion processes.
• Develop and apply modeling and simulation techniques to investigate novel propulsion systems and subsystems.
• Identify and recommend improvements to combustion and propulsion system performance based on analytical findings.
• Develop and simulate CFD models of propulsion systems and subsystems to support post‑processing and engineering analysis.
• Create numerical tools to support rapid trade studies and evaluation of prototype propulsion and combustion systems.
• Use modeling and simulation to diagnose non‑intuitive or unexpected experimental results.
• Conduct simulations at government facilities, contractor sites, and academic institutions as required.
• Apply principles of combustion, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and continuum mechanics to complex engineering problems.
• Prepare and present technical reports, briefings, and documentation in Government‑required formats.
• Present findings to Government stakeholders, research institutions, and other technical audiences as required.

Qualifications / Desired Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience, OR
• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, OR
• PhD in a relevant discipline with 0+ years of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Security Clearance.
• Experience conducting basic and applied research related to propulsion systems and combustion processes.
• Experience developing, running, and analyzing CFD simulations for gun, rocket, and/or air‑breathing propulsion systems.
• Proficiency with CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent or similar software packages.
• Experience with data analysis and engineering tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Knowledge of combustion, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, continuum mechanics, and numerical modeling techniques.
• Experience documenting analytical methods, simulation procedures, and technical results.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and technical communication skills.

What We Offer

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

If you're driven by intellectually stimulating work, enjoy collaborating with talented peers, and thrive in a high‑performing environment, then Altus may be for you!