Simulation Engineer (CFD/FEA)

Longshot Space Technologies Corporation; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership of simulation infrastructure

Opportunities to validate models through hands-on testing

Dynamic startup environment with room for growth

Job summary

A cutting-edge aerospace company is seeking a Simulation Engineer to develop tools and simulations essential for design validation and decision-making. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in CFD and FEA, contributing to the design of critical aerospace components and systems. The role offers opportunities for growth within a dynamic startup environment, emphasizing hands-on testing and real-world data validation.

Qualifications

• Understanding of compressible flow, high-Mach dynamics, and transient multiphysics systems.
• Experience modeling high-pressure gases, phase changes, or injector flows is a plus.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation of simulation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Build and validate CFD models of booster dynamics, chamber pressure profiles, and projectile aerodynamics.
• Analyze timing, spacing, and angle effects on gas injection and projectile acceleration.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to simulate system responses and correlate against test data.
• Develop structural FEA models of projectile components and launcher interfaces.
• Support design of gas recapture systems and optimization of nozzle/orifice configurations.
• Create detailed reports and presentations to guide internal and external decision-making.

Skills

CFD

FEA

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Converge

StarCCM+

OpenFOAM

ANSYS

Abaqus

Python

Bash

Job description

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Longshot Space Technologies is at the cutting edge of low-cost space access and hypersonics. We are developing a novel space launch system that accelerates mass over a long distance. Using our technology, we plan to provide affordable launch services for satellites, cargo, and future space infrastructure. We aim to enable a future where humans can reach for the stars.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Simulation Engineer with a strong background in CFD and FEA to help model the complex, transient, and high-pressure environments our hardware operates in. You will lead the development of tools and simulations to support design validation, drive design decisions, and correlate against physical test data.

Your models will help shape the design of the booster system, projectile aerodynamics, gas composition, chamber dynamics, orifice tuning, and high-speed airflow regimes. This is a key technical role that will help unlock data-informed decisions for both engineering and customer mission planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and validate CFD models of booster dynamics, chamber pressure profiles, and projectile aerodynamics.
• Analyze timing, spacing, and angle effects on gas injection and projectile acceleration.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to simulate system responses and correlate against test data.
• Develop structural FEA models of projectile components and launcher interfaces.
• Support design of gas recapture systems and optimization of nozzle/orifice configurations.
• Provide mission-level modeling to inform customer payload planning and system requirements.
• Create detailed reports and presentations to guide internal and external decision-making.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field.
• Experience with CFD tools such as Converge, StarCCM+, OpenFOAM, or equivalent.
• FEA experience with ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar tools.
• Understanding of compressible flow, high-Mach dynamics, and transient multiphysics systems.
• Experience modeling high-pressure gases, phase changes, or injector flows is a plus.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation of simulation workflows (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Strong analytical mindset and communication skills.

What You’ll Gain

• Ownership of simulation infrastructure that guides critical hardware design.
• Opportunities to validate models through hands-on testing and real-world data.
• A core role in shaping Longshot’s technical roadmap and external mission offerings.
• A dynamic startup environment with room for growth and innovation

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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