Hypersonic Aerospace Engineer

Socket.dev; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

ESOP

Health, vision & dental insurance

Paid leave & disability benefits

Job summary

CFD Research is seeking an engineer to advance multi-disciplinary modeling for hypersonic aerospace systems. You will apply high-fidelity CFD tools and multiphysics analyses to improve aero-thermal performance and system resilience, while supporting DoD customers.

The role emphasizes OpenMDAO workflows, Python scripting, and Linux environments, with opportunities to contribute to novel simulations and design studies in a collaborative, ESOP-owned company.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen with eligibility for security clearance.
• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; 2+ years in aerodynamic/aerothermal analysis.
• Experience using high-fidelity CFD tools (CFD++, STAR-CCM+, Kestrel) for hypersonic/aerospace systems.
• Strong CFD background: grid generation, hypersonic flow, wind tunnel data, and model development.
• Experience with coupled/multiphysics analysis (aero-thermal-structural).
• Experience integrating physics-based modeling in MDAO workflows (OpenMDAO).
• Proficient in Python and Linux; familiar with optimization methods (gradient-based/gradient-free).

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced modeling to MDAO workflows for hypersonic systems.
• Conduct aero/therm/structural analyses to improve performance and resilience.
• Support DoD customers and the Air Force Research Laboratory with modeling results.
• Develop and deploy simulation methods for efficient design exploration.

Skills

CFD analysis

Python

Linux

Multiphysics coupling

OpenMDAO

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD++

STAR-CCM+

Kestrel

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 is developing and applying multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) processes for advanced aerospace systems. This work integrates physics-based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced analysis methods, and optimization techniques to enable more efficient design exploration, system evaluation, and performance improvement.

We are seeking an engineer with the intellectual curiosity and technical depth needed to support the development of next-generation aerospace capabilities. This role will apply advanced modeling and simulation techniques to multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO), with emphasis on hypersonic flight and extreme combined environments, aeroelasticity, and multifunctional structural simulations. The candidate will conduct research into the coupled aerodynamic, thermal, and structural behavior of hypersonic systems to help resolve current system challenges and improve the performance, resilience, and design of future platforms. The candidate will also support delivery and deployment of modeling and optimization processes to the Air Force Research Laboratory and other DoD customers.

Requirements:

• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 2+ years of experience in aerodynamic or aerothermal analysis of missile, hypersonic, or other high-speed aerospace systems
• Demonstrated experience applying high-fidelity CFD tools such as CFD++, STAR-CCM+, or Kestrel to support aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis of high-speed aerospace systems
• Strong technical background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), grid generation, hypersonic flow physics, wind tunnel testing, and aerodynamic model development
• Experience with coupled or multiphysics analysis involving aerodynamic, thermal, and structural effects
• Experience developing or integrating physics-based modeling and simulation methods within multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) workflows, including the use of frameworks such as OpenMDAO
• Proficiency with Python and Linux-based operating systems
• Experience with formal optimization methods, including gradient-based and gradient-free techniques

Preferred Qualities

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic or aerothermal analysis of missile, hypersonic, or other high-speed aerospace systems
• Proficiency with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis tools such as Missile DATCOM, CBAERO, Kestrel, or STAR-CCM+
• Proficiency with finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal-structural analysis tools such as Abaqus, ANSYS Mechanical, or Nastran Experience with geometry modeling tools such as CAD, OpenVSP, or Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP)
• Proficiency with compiled languages, especially C++ or Fortran
• Familiarity with reduced-order modeling (ROM), surrogate modeling, supervised machine learning, or other data-driven modeling techniques
• Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control concepts
• Proficiency with software development best practices, including Git, code linting, testing, and CI/CD
• Experience with containerized workflows and deployment of software

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