Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Job Title: Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB, TN

Job Family Code: O-Engineering

Function/Branch: Engineering/Engineering Solutions

Directorate: Engineering & Tech Support

Position Type: Regular, Full Time         

Pay Type: Exempt         

Grade: L08 (OA0848)

Salary Range or Starting Hourly Rate: $106,000 - $146,000/ per year

Overview

This role centers on the development, validation, and application of advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Modeling & Simulation (M&S) tools within high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The professional will drive engineering innovation by resolving complex physical problems, expanding predictive capabilities into hypersonic and high-temperature combustion regimes, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance aerodynamic test facilities and hardware system performance.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, have effective verbal and written communication skills, be able to work with discretion and confidentiality, proven time management skills, be proactive, and be willing to continually learn new duties and skills.

Job Duties:

• Support software development for computational modeling and simulation (M&S) tools.
• Support the development and application of computational models and simulations, coupled with high-performance computing, to solve complex physical problems arising in engineering analysis and design (computational engineering).
• Ensure that M&S tools being developed and used meet the needs for predicting performance of complex hardware systems and troubleshoot issues when tools are not capturing the systems accurately.
• Analyze and identify deficiencies in existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes; formulate, implement, and validate improvements to overcome those deficiencies.
• Develop new computational approaches in the areas of fluid-thermal chemistry, turbulence, numerical algorithms, and code-processing.
• Support the expansion of CFD capabilities into the hypersonic regime by implementing and/or applying new algorithms and tools that account for combustion and high-speed chemical reactions required to simulate hypersonic vehicles flowfields and high temperature facilities. Evaluate, select, and apply engineering computations, techniques, procedures and criteria, in making adaptations and modifications.
• Perform work involving the preparation, execution, interpretation and review of aerodynamic computations using CFD codes for analysis of aerodynamic facilities.
• Engage with colleagues as required to push for technological advances, facility improvements, advanced diagnostics, and complex problem solutions.
• It is a condition of employment to wear company issued PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with at least 5 years of project and/or research experience.
• OR a master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with at least 3 years of project and/or research experience.
• 1 year of experience utilizing programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or other similar tools to automate repetitive simulation workflows, process, data, and perform engineering calculations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret level security clearance and access to the AEDC local area network.
• Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering
• 5 years’ experience doing computational development and analysis
• Foundational knowledge of compressible flow principles and thermodynamics, with the ability to apply these concepts to analyze test facility sub-systems.
• Ability to work in a team developing/applying complex CFD models.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems.
• Experience with CFD meshing tools, solvers, or post-processors (e.g. Pointwise, Tecplot, CREATE-AV Kestrel, Loci-CHEM, ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+).
• Computational development and application skills with emphasis on developing and modeling compressible, real gas and/or chemically-reacting flows in the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flow regimes. Detailed knowledge of thermodynamics, combustion, and multidisciplinary modeling.
• A combination of code "development" and "applications" skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to participate in and foster a work environment that is based upon openness, trust, communication, teamwork, empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries
• Continuing education assistance
• Multiple healthcare benefits packages
• 401K with employer matching
• Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule