Starship Aerodynamics Engineer - CFD & Flight Dynamics

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer (Starship) to predict aerodynamics and aerothermal environments across flight regimes. You will build CFD models, mesh and run simulations, analyze data, and collaborate with GNC and structures teams to inform design decisions.

The role requires duties ranging from scripting and automation to data interpretation, with emphasis on clear communication and documentation. This position may involve extended hours to support flight campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Experience with lower-order, engineering-level analysis tools.
• Proficiency creating watertight 3D models and CFD grids, running CFD on Linux/Unix systems, and post-processing data with Tecplot or ParaView.
• Experience with NASA entry-vehicle solvers such as FUN3D, Loci/CHEM, DPLR.
• Experimental testing experience.
• Data processing and analysis in MATLAB or Python.
• Strong background in external, compressible fluid dynamics.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, communication and documentation skills.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, mesh, run, and post process CFD models
• Review post-flight data and compare to pre-flight estimates
• Interface with responsible engineers, providing them inputs to their designs and ensuring they have a clear understanding of the physical phenomena they are dealing with
• Write code and scripts in a variety of languages, making sure they share common interfaces and can be part of a mostly automated workflow

Skills

Fluid dynamics

CFD modeling

MATLAB

Python

Experimental testing

Linux/Unix CFD

Tecplot

ParaView

NASA solvers (FUN3D, Loci/CHEM, DPLR)

Code scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

Tecplot

ParaView

FUN3D

Loci/CHEM

DPLR

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer (Starship) to predict aerodynamics and aerothermal environments across flight regimes. You will build CFD models, mesh and run simulations, analyze data, and collaborate with GNC and structures teams to inform design decisions.

The role requires duties ranging from scripting and automation to data interpretation, with emphasis on clear communication and documentation. This position may involve extended hours to support flight campaigns.