Dynamics Engineer (Rotorcraft)

CFD Research Corporation; Alabama; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer matching 401(k)

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Paid leave and parental leave

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

CFD Research Corporation is seeking a Dynamics Engineer based at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. The successful candidate will apply and develop analysis tools for rotorcraft dynamics and support Army rotorcraft acquisition projects. Required qualifications include a relevant degree with extensive experience in dynamics, aeroelastic modeling, and strong computational skills. This role offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k) plan and medical insurance.

Qualifications

• B.S. with 5 years or M.S. with 3 years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in dynamics including aeroelastic and coupled aerodynamic-structural modeling.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Residency required.

Responsibilities

• Apply and enhance rotorcraft analysis tools to assess dynamics and aeroelasticity.
• Develop and validate models for rotorcraft design and performance assessment.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate analysis results into Army programs.

Skills

Aeroelastic modeling

Aircraft structural dynamics

Unsteady aerodynamics

High-performance computing

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

RCAS

CAMRAD

CREAS-AV Helios

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 Corporation is seeking professionals to provide engineering and technical analysis to the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Center’s Technology Development Directorate at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. This work supports the development, application, and advancement of high‑fidelity modeling and simulation tools used in Army rotorcraft acquisition programs, including the MV‑75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, UH‑60 Black Hawk, CH‑47 Chinook, AH‑64 Apache, and other future vertical lift aircraft.

The Dynamics Engineer will support Army rotorcraft engineering efforts through the application, development, and validation of comprehensive rotorcraft analysis and dynamic simulation tools. The position focuses on rotorcraft dynamics, aeroelasticity, and coupled aerodynamic‑structural behavior. This role complements high‑fidelity CFD‑based modeling by providing system‑level insight into rotorcraft behavior and by supporting multidisciplinary trade studies and design assessments. The analyses play a critical role in reducing technical risk and informing Army rotorcraft design and acquisition decisions.

Responsibilities

• Apply and enhance comprehensive rotorcraft analysis tools (e.g., RCAS, CAMRAD) to assess rotorcraft dynamics, aeroelasticity, loads, and control.
• Use high‑fidelity tools such as Helios to complement comprehensive analyses and support cross‑validation of results.
• Develop and validate dynamic and aeroelastic models to support rotorcraft design, performance assessment, and acquisition decisions.
• Collaborate with government and contractor teams to integrate dynamic and comprehensive analysis results into Army programs.
• Document methods, analyses, and findings to support technical reviews, program milestones, and acquisition decisions.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. with 5 years of relevant experience, or M.S. with 3 years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. Degrees should be in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience in dynamics including aeroelastic and coupled aerodynamic‑structural modeling.
• Strong background in aircraft structural dynamics and unsteady aerodynamics.
• Knowledge of computational software and high‑performance computing.
• Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Residency.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with rotorcraft analysis tools (e.g., RCAS, CAMRAD II, or similar).
• Familiarity with CREATE‑AV Helios and other high‑fidelity simulation tools.
• Experience with rotor loads, vibration, stability, and control analyses.
• Experience with rotorcraft design or acquisition programs.

Location: This role is based at Redstone Arsenal, in the Huntsville AL area, and is 100% onsite.

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.