Postdoctoral Researcher - Physics-Based Engineering Modeling and Validation for Drone Swarm App[...]

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

Postdoctoral Researcher – Physics-Based Engineering Modeling and Validation for Drone Swarm Applications

Location: Boulder, CO (Flatirons Campus)

Position Type: Postdoctoral (Fixed Term)

Hours: 40 per week

Job Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop and validate physics-based engineering models for drone swarm applications using existing tools such as OpenFAST and FAST.Farm. The role involves theory development, software implementation, model verification and validation, and collaboration with researchers and partners. The successful candidate will contribute to publications and support grant proposal development.

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.

Basic 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wind turbine modeling tools (Fast, OpenFAST, Bladed, HAWC2) and wind‑farm tools (FLORIS, FAST.Farm, DWM).
• Familiarity with open-source software workflows on GitHub.
• Knowledge of uncertainty quantification, machine‑learning principles, CFD, and measurement data processing.

Benefits Summary

Competitive salary ($76,600–$126,400) and benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, pension, 403(b) plan with employer match, life and AD&D insurance, paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, gender, disability, and other protected categories.