Flight Sciences Engineer

Stratolaunch; Mojave (CA); Hybrid; USD 101,079 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Maternity and Parental Leave

401(k) company match

Remote work options

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology company is seeking a Flight Sciences Engineer to support the design and analysis of hypersonic vehicles. Responsibilities include trajectory analysis, aerodynamic modeling, and data analysis. Ideal candidates will have a degree in engineering along with experience in aerodynamics and flight mechanics. The position is primarily on-site in Mojave, CA, with potential remote options for well-qualified candidates. The company offers competitive compensation, including benefits like parental leave and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in aerodynamics and flight mechanics required.
• Experience with hypersonic vehicle development preferred.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform vehicle trajectory analysis and optimization.
• Develop aerodynamic models for hypersonic vehicles.
• Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Flight Mechanics

Flight Simulation

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Trajectory Optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Python

Matlab

MS Office

CFD analysis tools

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II or Sr-level Flight Sciences Engineer to support the conceptual design and aerodynamic analyses of hypersonic vehicles. Candidates must have a strong foundation in aerodynamics and flight mechanics, including stability and control, aerodynamic model development, flight simulation, computation fluid dynamics (CFD), and/or relevant wind tunnel testing. Experience with aircraft design and aerodynamic/performance analyses across the speed range from subsonic to hypersonic is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform vehicle trajectory analysis and optimization on current and future vehicles
• Contribute to development of aerodynamic databases using analytical, numerical, ground and flight test data
• Perform analytical and numerical analyses to evaluate the aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control of hypersonic vehicles
• Develop aerodynamic models for a variety of hypersonic vehicle configurations
• Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses
• Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data, as required
• Develop advanced design tools, as required
• Support the preparation of business proposals to the US Government and industry
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of, and experience with aerodynamics, performance, stability & control, and atmospheric aerospace vehicle design
• Experience with subsonic, transonic, or supersonic theory and analyses
• Ability to self-start, work with urgency, and on their own initiative, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain a security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hypersonic aerodynamic theory and analysis
• Experience with hypersonic vehicle development and/or test
• Experience with supersonic vehicle development and/or test
• Experience building aerodynamics models for complex aerospace vehiclesExperience with trajectory shaping and optimization
• Proficient in lofting compound surfaces for aerospace vehicles
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Active TS/SCI security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

• Scripting languages (Python, Matlab, or similar)
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)

Preferred Computer Skills:

• Experience with CFD analysis tools – preferred: US3D, Fun3D, Pointwise, Link3D, StarCCM, Kestrel
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software tools
• Experience with trajectory optimization analysis tools
• Familiarity with configuration management systems – Jira (preferred)
• Familiarity with revision control of software – Git (preferred)

Education & Experience

• Level II ($101,079-$146,500): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr-Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Work Environment & Benefits

• Position on-site based in "Mojave, CA". Consideration for remote or partial remote/on-site (hybrid) work for a well-qualified candidate.
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%.
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave.
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.