Sr. Engineer, Digital Twins for Test Systems

North Wind; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a Sr. Engineer to lead the development of real-time digital twins for a large wind tunnel facility. The role focuses on fusing physics-based simulations with hardware-in-the-loop to improve test efficiency, data collection, and model anchoring.

Candidates should have an advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and 5–10 years of relevant experience, with strong programming (Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C++) and ML/AI capabilities for data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience related to digital twins, wind tunnel or test systems.
• Combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Architect real-time wind tunnel digital twin / simulation software with hardware-in-the-loop.
• Integrate physics-based simulations with facility hardware and instrumentation architectures.
• Support integration of digital twin capabilities with controls, data acquisition, and displays.
• Lead a small team of engineers on digital twin development tasks.
• Advance ML/AI techniques for data collection, updates, and decision-making.
• Coordinate with configuration management for digital twin baselines and artifacts.
• Produce clear technical documentation and presentations for reviews.
• Interface with customer technical representatives to review analysis results.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Technical communication

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Advanced degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Ansys

Siemens digital twin tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Engineer, Digital Twins for Test Systems

Full Time Minnesota FLM St Paul, MN, US

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $160,000.00 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.

Sr. Engineer, Digital Twins for Test Systems

The Sr. Aerothermal Engineer for the Digital Twins for Test Systems will lead the design, development, and deployment of real-time digital twins for a large wind tunnel facility complex. We are seeking a dynamic leader with experience fusing modeling and simulation with real-world results to drive the creation of wind tunnel facility digital surrogates to accelerate facility operations and test conduct.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and lead development of real-time wind tunnel facility digital twin / simulation software systems with hardware in the loop
• Integrate physics-based simulations of the wind tunnel test sections, test articles, and facility mechanical systems with the facility hardware and instrumentation architectures to drive significant improvements in test conduct efficiency, data collection, and anchoring of test facility and test article models
• Support the test facility software and controls teams to integrate the digital twin capabilities with controls, data acquisition, and data display development efforts
• Lead a small team of engineers performing digital twin development tasks to align products with broader digital engineering platform development
• Support the development of techniques with machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) for facility data collection and management, digital twin updates, and operational decision making
• Support integration of configuration management tools with the digital twins to track and manage the test facility baselines
• Enforce configuration management of all data related to digital twin software and artifacts
• Prepare clear technical documentation, analysis summaries, charts, and presentations for internal reviews and external stakeholders
• Interface with customer technical representatives to review and discuss analysis activities and results

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• 5-10 years of experience pertinent to the responsibilities listed above; or
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

• Demonstrated experience with wind tunnel testing, either in support of facility operations or performing specific test entries
• Strong competency in the thermodynamic, aerodynamic, and mechanical principles that underpin wind tunnel performance and operations
• Experience with real time digital twin / simulation software integration environments (e.g., Ansys, Dassault, and Siemens digital twin products)
• Strong programming skills for modeling and analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Fortran, or C++), including scripting for automation of simulations and data reduction
• Familiarity with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software and hardware systems
• Deep understanding of engineering principles, including mechanical, electromechanical, and aerospace systems design, test, and evaluation
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, technical drawings, and specifications
• Ability to define complex problems, analyze data, interpret abstract concepts, and develop effective solutions
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams from project conception to completion; guiding teams through planning, execution, and delivery phases
• Skilled in project management, prioritization, budgeting, and delivering results on time
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and engineering-related software tools
• Active U.S. security clearance preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with aerospace test systems and / or vehicle development programs
• Background in early-stage research and development, product development methodologies, and innovation strategy
• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition processes, R&D funding, and technology development programs

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.