Fluid Analysis Engineer (Thermal & Pneumatics Modeling)

CareerPaths NW; Lynnwood (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Holidays

401(k) Matching

Employer-paid medical insurance

Job summary

CareerPaths NW is seeking a Fluid Analysis Engineer to provide advanced modeling for aerospace fluid systems, focusing on thermal and pneumatic performance. You will develop, modify, and run models to support design, validation, and build-readiness milestones across vehicle subsystems.

Ideal candidates will have deep modeling experience with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop, strong autonomy, and proven ability to translate results into clear technical documentation and reports.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in fluid system analysis, thermal modeling, or pneumatic systems engineering.
• Hands-on expertise with SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, or comparable first-principles modeling tools.
• Demonstrated experience modeling tank thermodynamics, feedline chilldown, and heat exchangers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute thermodynamic and pneumatic system models in SINDA/FLUINT.
• Run analyses to support ground operations and vehicle readiness.
• Perform gas distribution and pressure control modeling across subsystems.
• Adapt tank thermodynamics models to updated geometries and mission sequences.
• Define venting and reconditioning system size requirements using model outputs.
• Build thermal models for panels, instrumentation, and penetrations using Thermal Desktop.
• Produce modeling files, reports, and system-level analyses.

Skills

5+ years experience

SINDA/FLUINT

Thermal Desktop

tank thermodynamics

feedline chilldown

heat exchangers

pneumatic system cycles

clear technical reports

cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SINDA/FLUINT

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Fluid Analysis Engineer (Thermal & Pneumatics Modeling)

Job Openings Fluid Analysis Engineer (Thermal & Pneumatics Modeling)

About the job Fluid Analysis Engineer (Thermal & Pneumatics Modeling)

CareerPaths NW is seeking a highly skilled Fluid Analysis Engineer to provide advanced modeling and simulation support for complex aerospace fluid systems. In this role, you will develop, modify, and execute fluid, thermal, and pneumatic models to evaluate system performance across multiple vehicle subsystems. Ideal candidates bring deep technical experience, a high level of autonomy, and a strong background with industry-standard modeling tools such as SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop. This role will directly influence critical design, performance validation, and build‑readiness milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute thermodynamic and pneumatic system models in SINDA/FLUINT to support operational and mission‑driven use cases.
• Run fill and drain analyses based on existing system data to support ground operations and vehicle readiness.
• Perform gas distribution modeling, including high‑to‑low pressure regulation, pressure control dynamics, and thruster cycle count analysis.
• Conduct pneumatic system evaluations to forecast cycle counts, pressure reduction performance, and system durability across mission timelines.
• Adapt existing tank thermodynamics models to updated vehicle geometries and mission sequences, including:
  • Pressurization requirements
  • Bulk fluid warming
  • Thermal management constraints
• Define venting and reconditioning system size requirements based on model outputs and thermal performance predictions.
• Port, validate, and optimize feedline chilldown models for new feedline configurations, including:
  • Chilldown mass forecasts
  • Bleed duration estimates
  • Orifice sizing
  • Heat load calculations
• Build thermal models for fluid panels, instrumentation, tank penetrations, and other subsystem elements using Thermal Desktop.
• Perform tank boiloff evaluations and generate recommendations related to fluid retention and risk mitigation.
• Conduct vent actuator latency analyses and provide engineering recommendations on valve/actuator sizing and control logic.
• Execute heat exchanger modeling, characterize subsystem heat transfer performance, and analyze efficiency.
• Produce clear deliverables, including modeling files, model description reports, and system‑level analysis reports.
• Provide recurring technical updates summarizing:
  • Progress against schedule
  • Engineering risks and mitigation plans
  • Resource performance
  • Cost tracking (where applicable)

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of professional experience in fluid system analysis, thermal modeling, or pneumatic systems engineering.
• Hands‑on expertise with SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, or comparable first‑principles modeling tools.
• Demonstrated experience modeling:
  • Tank thermodynamics
  • Feedline chilldown
  • Heat exchangers
  • Pneumatic system cycles
• Understanding of fluid heat transfer, pressure regulation, boiloff dynamics, and cryogenic or propellant systems.
• Ability to translate engineering results into clear technical documentation and reports.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Experience with aerospace vehicle subsystems, cryogenic fluids, propulsion systems, or thermal/pneumatic architectures.
• Prior work developing analytical models for flight programs, launch hardware, or space vehicle components.
• Experience preparing deliverables for engineering reviews or major design milestones.
• Detailed system‑level analysis reports.
• Ongoing technical reporting and engineering updates aligned to program needs.

Benefits

• Up to three weeks of paid time off (PTO)
• Eleven paid holidays
• Matching 401(k) plan
• 100% employer‑paid medical insurance premiums

CareerPaths NW is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.