Senior Designer – Hypersonics & Propulsion Systems

North Wind; Newport News (VA); On-site; Full time

Job description

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Designer

Full Time Newport News VA Newport News, VA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1093

Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting‑edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high‑speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Senior Designer

Develops initial design concepts and 3D CAD model representations for mechanical parts and assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Creates 3D solid models of mechanical components based on aerodynamic and mechanical interface requirements. Works with engineering personnel to ensure designs are robust and the fabrication team to ensure components are manufacturable.
• Creates and checks 2D drawings of detail parts and assemblies to ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Identifies and selects standard components (i.e. fasteners, O-rings, fittings, etc.) for use in the design. Assists in the generation of the project Bill of Material.
• Performs tolerance stacks to support fits and clearance analysis.
• Assists in the generation of assembly procedures, interface control documents, instrumentation layouts, mass property summaries, design reviews, and other engineering related outputs.
• Assists in the planning (budget & schedule) of the drawing effort for new and proposed tasks; directs, assists and checks the output of other design team members; and communicates progress to engineering leads.

Preferred Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in high speed airbreathing propulsion or similar industry; or
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability

• Experience with design and analysis of ramjet and scramjet engines and related vehicle system design and analysis.
• Demonstrated application of engineering design and analysis codes for engine flowpaths, cycle analysis for different classes of propulsion systems, and aerothermal analysis.
• Deep competency in thermodynamics and gas dynamics, including experience with propulsion system related analysis tools (e.g., CEA and REFPROP).
• Strong programming skills for modeling and analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Fortran, or C++), including scripting for automation of simulations and data reduction.
• Experience with high‑speed vehicle design, propulsion / airframe integration, and / or trajectory analysis, CFD, and optimization codes a plus.
• Familiarity with ground or flight testing of airbreathing propulsion systems.
• Strong analytical mindset with rigorous attention to validation, verification, and engineering accuracy.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Active U.S. security clearance preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance.