RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Combustion Engineer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute seeks a highly skilled CFD engineer to support development, analysis, and testing of power generation and propulsion systems. You will work with combustion models, optimize designs, and integrate experimental data with simulations to validate predictive capabilities under extreme conditions.

The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary CFD work, design optimization, and test campaigns within the Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section in San Antonio.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5 years relevant experience with Bachelor's; 3 years with Masters; 1 year with PhD.
• 1–5 years CFD simulations of thermofluids and combustion; supersonic/hypersonic flow preferred but not required.
• Experience in computationally-aided design of propulsion and power generation systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with CFD software such as Ansys Fluent, Converge, STAR-CCM+ or OpenFOAM.
• Experimental experience with combustion and mechanical design is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide cross-disciplinary support to multiple projects focusing on CFD tasks.
• Design, optimize, and validate combustion processes using CFD.
• Contribute to the design of propulsion and power generation systems.
• Assist in executing experimental test campaigns for model validation.
• Apply creativity and independent judgement to solve technical challenges.

Skills

CFD simulations

Ansys Fluent

Converge

OpenFOAM

STAR-CCM+

Heat transfer

Fluid dynamics

Combustion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Converge

STAR-CCM+

OpenFOAM

Ansys Fluent

Job description

Who We Are:

The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of gas turbine combustion, air-breathing propulsion, industrial heat and power, and liquid propulsion. Our technologies are powering a cleaner future and advancing state-of-the‑art propulsion systems for air and space flight.

Objectives of this Role:

Support the development, analysis, and testing of power generation and propulsion systems, with a specific focus on combustion applications. Engage in the development of advanced computational models to explore complex combustion phenomena, contributing to cutting‑edge research in thermofluids, power generation, and propulsion systems. Utilize expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, and combustion processes to optimize designs and improve performance in power generation and propulsion systems. Leverage state-of-the‑art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, including Ansys Fluent, Converge, and OpenFOAM to simulate flow conditions and analyze combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems. Integrate experimental insights with simulation data to validate models and develop predictive capabilities for combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems operating under extreme conditions.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Provide cross-disciplinary support to multiple projects within the field of combustion, focusing mainly on computational tasks.
• Conduct design, optimization, and validation of combustion processes using CFD.
• Contribute to the design of combustion processes for power generation and propulsion systems.
• Assist in executing experimental test campaigns, including data acquisition, processing, and analysis, to support model validation.
• Be a problem solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in developing approaches to address a wide range of technical challenges.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering degree.
• 5 years relevant professional experience required with Bachelors degree, 3 years relevant professional experience required with Masters degree, and 1 year of related experience required with PhD.
• 1-5 years: Demonstrated experience in CFD simulations of thermofluids and combustion processes. Experience with supersonic and/or hypersonic flow simulations is preferred but not required.
• 1-5 years: Experience in computationally-aided design of propulsion and power generation systems. Experience in designing system components is also valued.
• 1-5 years: Demonstrated proficiency in using CFD software such as Ansys Fluent, Converge, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM for simulating and analyzing combustion processes. Experience with additional simulation tools is preferred but not required.
• Experimental experience with combustion processes and mechanical design is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• MS or PhD degrees in engineering are preferred, but not required. Relevant degrees will also be considered.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Mechanical Engineering home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.

For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.