Postdoc: Drone-Swarm Physics & OpenFAST Modeling

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 76,600 - 126,400; Full time

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop and validate physics-based engineering models for drone swarm applications using OpenFAST and FAST.Farm.

You will implement software in Python, MATLAB, and Fortran or C++ within high‑performance computing environments, and collaborate with researchers and partners to advance drone fidelity‑first modeling and control.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering completed within the last three years.
• Strong background in physics-based modeling of aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and/or control systems.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB, and familiarity with Fortran or C++.
• Experience with high-performance computing workflows.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to publish and present research results.

Responsibilities

• Extend physics‑based modeling tools (e.g., OpenFAST, FAST.Farm) to drone swarm contexts, including individual drone aero‑servo‑elastic dynamics and wake/downwash interactions.
• Develop theory and implement software improvements in Python, MATLAB, Fortran, or C++ within high‑performance computing environments.
• Perform systematic verification and validation of models through comparisons with fidelity‑first results (e.g., Kynema) and measurement data to assess accuracy and limitations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on drone fidelity‑first modeling, swarm control, and application development.
• Write technical reports, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, and present findings at conferences and meetings.
• Support preparation of new research proposals and project reviews.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Fortran

C++

High-performance computing

Physics-based modeling

Aerodynamics

Structural dynamics

Control systems

GitHub

Education

PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Tools

OpenFAST

FAST.Farm

Kynema

Job description

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop and validate physics-based engineering models for drone swarm applications using OpenFAST and FAST.Farm.

You will implement software in Python, MATLAB, and Fortran or C++ within high‑performance computing environments, and collaborate with researchers and partners to advance drone fidelity‑first modeling and control.