Space Fluids Analyst — Predictive Flight Models, Equity

Cowboy Space Corp.; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. in San Carlos, CA is seeking a Fluids Analyst to own fluids prediction lifecycle from initial models to flight-ready predictions, collaborating with fluids design, propulsion, thermal, structures, and test operations.

You will build 1D fluid networks, perform CFD and thermal-fluid analyses, define instrumentation, and support test campaigns with data-driven objectives. This hands-on role requires fast iteration and clear communication with the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of fluid system analysis experience for flight vehicles or high-performance hardware.
• Strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience building 1D fluid network or transient system models with listed tools.
• Proficiency with CFD tools such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or OpenFOAM.
• US citizenship or eligible for U.S. work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of fluids prediction and data for the team—from first-order sizing models to flight-ready, test-anchored models.
• Build and maintain 1D fluid network and transient system models to predict pressure drop, flow, and thermal performance.
• Perform early-phase simulations and trade studies to inform architecture choices and component sizing.
• Analyze transient behavior and predict line losses, cavitation, and inlet conditions.
• Define instrumentation requirements and support test campaigns with analysis-driven objectives.

Skills

CFD tools

Python (NumPy, pandas)

1D fluid network modeling

Fluid mechanics fundamentals

Thermodynamics & heat transfer

CFD/analysis experience

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Flownex

AFT (Fathom/Arrow/Impulse)

EASY5

GFSSP

Simulink

ANSYS Fluent

STAR-CCM+

OpenFOAM

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. in San Carlos, CA is seeking a Fluids Analyst to own fluids prediction lifecycle from initial models to flight-ready predictions, collaborating with fluids design, propulsion, thermal, structures, and test operations.

You will build 1D fluid networks, perform CFD and thermal-fluid analyses, define instrumentation, and support test campaigns with data-driven objectives. This hands-on role requires fast iteration and clear communication with the team.