Senior Aerodynamics Engineer — Hypersonic Spaceflight

Telemetry Today LLC; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation support

Health insurance

401(k) match

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

One Medical membership

Cell phone reimbursement

EV charging

Job summary

Varda Space Industries is hiring a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer to support current vehicles and the next reentry vehicle development. You will run high-speed CFD simulations, develop flight rules, and lead wind tunnel campaigns.

The role requires shaping aeroscience inputs for GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis, with experience on a flying vehicle from cradle to grave. Strong collaboration across disciplines is essential in our El Segundo HQ.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or physics; 6+ years in aero field; PhD alternative.
• Contributed to aerodynamic development of hypersonic vehicle that has flown or will fly within 5 years.
• Experience analyzing aerodynamic data from tests, CFD, flight; document findings.
• Experience running CFD/DSMC for hypersonic and subsonic flows (Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, CBAero).
• Proficient in MATLAB or Python; capable of building meshes in Pointwise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to translate complex aeroscience findings; eligible for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the aerodynamic and aeroheating database across full flight envelope; serve as aeroscience input to GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis.
• Plan, execute, and reduce data from wind tunnel campaigns; reconcile ground test results with CFD predictions.
• Run high-fidelity CFD and DSMC simulations; build meshes in Pointwise.
• Characterize static and dynamic stability; develop 6DOF simulation inputs; contribute to flight rules and models.
• Synthesize aerodynamic evidence from CFD, wind tunnel, and flight telemetry into a traceable database.
• Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and performance assessments; drive model updates for future missions.
• Collaborate across GNC, structures, TPS, and mission planning; deliver flight-ready aeroscience products.

Skills

CFD/DSMC analysis

MATLAB

Python

6DOF flight dynamics knowledge

Strong communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

Wind tunnel data analysis

Education

BS degree in engineering or physics

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Fun3D

LAURA

DPLR

US3D

SPARTA

DAC

CBAero

Pointwise

POST2

Job description

Varda Space Industries is hiring a Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer to support current vehicles and the next reentry vehicle development. You will run high-speed CFD simulations, develop flight rules, and lead wind tunnel campaigns.

The role requires shaping aeroscience inputs for GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis, with experience on a flying vehicle from cradle to grave. Strong collaboration across disciplines is essential in our El Segundo HQ.