(Fastwater Staffing) SENIOR THERMAL ENGINEER – HYPERSONIC AIR VEHICLES

Hikinex; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Hikinex is seeking a seasoned aerospace thermal engineer to lead thermal design for unmanned air vehicles. You will perform multi‑stage thermal analyses, define architectures, and collaborate with cross‑discipline teams. Strong coding in MATLAB/Python and hands‑on testing are required.

On‑site Costa Mesa, with possible remote consideration for exceptional candidates. You will develop models, analyze high‑temperature environments, and present findings at internal and customer reviews, while

Qualifications

• MS or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Physics with heat transfer and fluid dynamics focus.
• In-depth understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and high-temperature environments.
• 5+ years of aerospace thermal engineering experience on rocket, aircraft, or missile programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal design and analysis of unmanned air vehicles at conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design stages.
• Define thermal system architectures and material selection for demanding flight environments.
• Conduct thermal analysis using CFD/FEA and develop first-principles MATLAB/Python models.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, electrical, and systems engineers on integrated solutions.
• Prepare test plans, execute ground tests, and analyze thermal data.
• Present thermal status at reviews and prepare formal documentation.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Thermal analysis

CFD/FEA

Heat transfer

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Aerospace Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Applied Physics

Tools

STAR-CCM+

ANSYS Fluent

NASTRAN

Abaqus

ANSYS Mechanical

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Job description

Location & Work ArrangementCosta Mesa, CA (On-Site) preferredRemote opportunities may be considered

for exceptionally strong candidates located elsewhere in the U.S.Employment Details

Contract:

6 months, with potential for extension or conversion to a permanent positionTarget Bill Rate:

Up to $120/hourRequirements

Must be a

U.S. CitizenMust be

eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearanceWHAT YOU'LL DOThermal design and analysis of unmanned air vehicles at conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design maturitiesDefine thermal system architectures and material selection strategies for vehicles operating in demanding flight environmentsThermal analysis of flight vehicles using CFD, FEA, and engineering methodsMaterial response modeling under combined thermal and mechanical loadsTransient thermal analysis for time-varying mission profilesGround test planning, execution, and analysis in specialized thermal test facilitiesFlight test planning, execution, and post-flight thermal data analysisUse first principles and MATLAB/Python models to inform design decisionsCollaborate with aerodynamics, structures, electrical, and systems engineers on integrated solutionsPresent thermal status at formal reviews internally and with customersPrepare formal documentation (specifications, test procedures, technical reports)REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMS or higher degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Physics with focus on heat transfer and fluid dynamicsIn-depth understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and high-temperature environments5+ years of experience in aerospace thermal engineering on rocket, aircraft, or missile programsExperience with thermal analysis in high-speed flight regimesThermal analysis experience using CFD (STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent) and/or FEA thermal solversExperience with thermal-structural couplingGround testing experience with thermal instrumentation and data acquisitionStrong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar for tool developmentExperience preparing formal documentationCAD experience with SolidWorks or Siemens NXPassion for defending the United States and her alliesAbility to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience with material response modeling in extreme thermal environmentsKnowledge of material degradation and surface phenomena under demanding conditionsExperience with specialized thermal ground test facilitiesExperience with chemical kinetics and finite-rate chemistry modelingFlight test experience including instrumentation design and post-flight analysisExperience with thermal-structural analysis codes (NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical)Material characterization experience at elevated temperaturesExperience with manufacturing and assembly of thermal systemsActive U.S. security clearance