Structural Design Engineer with Artificial Intelligence Optimization

CFD Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

ESOP

Medical, vision and dental insurance

Paid leave and disability benefits

Job summary

CFD Research Corporation in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a Structural Design Engineer to help develop, test, and certify propulsion systems for NASA Human Launch Systems. The role blends traditional design with AI-driven optimization, including neural networks and AI model deployment.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to establish flight rationale for America’s new Human-Rated vehicles, using CREO and other CAD tools, and collaborating with NASA centers and vendors.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree preferred; MS with 3+ years or BS with 5+ years experience.
• Proficiency in CREO, NX CAD, or SolidWorks required.
• Strong MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) skills.
• Experience coding in Python and developing AI/ML models with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Keras.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage with senior engineers to create CAD models, drawings, research for propulsion hardware.
• Use CREO with cabling, piping, and additive manufacturing modules.
• Perform design and strength optimization of additively manufactured hardware.
• Collaborate with vendors and NASA centers on flight hardware and ground test equipment.
• Assist with mentoring junior engineers.

Skills

Python

AI/ML experience

CREO

MS Office

Communication

Education

BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering (ABET preferred)

MS preferred

Tools

CREO

NX CAD

SolidWorks

Job description

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Position Description

As a Structural Design Engineer, you will provide insight into the development, test, and certification of propulsion systems for NASA’s Human Launch Systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between traditional systems/hardware design and cutting-edge optimization using artificial intelligence. You will provide a solid foundation in engineering design principles combined with hands-on experience in machine learning, neural networks, and AI model deployment. You will become part of a multi-discipline team with the charter to establish flight rationale for America’s new Human-Rated vehicles.

Primary Job Duties Include

• Engage with senior engineers in the creation of CAD models, documents, drawings, and research with a focus on propulsion devices and support hardware.
• Use CREO parametric modeling software including extensions such as CREO cabling, piping, and additive manufacturing modules.
• Perform design and strength optimization of additively manufactured hardware.
• Collaborate with vendors and personnel from other NASA centers in the development of integrated flight hardware and associated ground test equipment.
• Assist with mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• BS degree (MS preferred) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics or related field is required. Degree from an ABET accredited institution is preferred. Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a minimum of a Masters with at least 3 years of experience, or BS with at least 5 years of experience.
• Proficiency in the use of a computer-aided design software package such as CREO, NX CAD, or Solidworks is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word is required.
• Familiarity with high-level programming languages, such as Python, and hands-on experience developing AI/ML models using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Keras.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

This role would be located onsite at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Benefits

CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories