Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Southwest Division (SWD), has an opportunity for a Computational Physics Staff Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists. The Computational Physics Group develops code and performs computational analysis for large Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and computational structural dynamics (CSD) simulations. The successful applicant will perform CFD and CSD computer simulations on local computing clusters and High Performance Computing (HPC) systems to support the development and use of these computer codes for a variety of applications such as air blast, shock tubes, explosive detonations, explosive fill analysis, subsonic, and supersonic flows and reacting flows. He/she will work with a team of highly skilled engineers and scientists that leverage multidisciplinary backgrounds to provide innovative solutions to our customers. The programs impact national security and Department of Defense (DoD) mission areas. Opportunities include work in areas such as nuclear and conventional weapon effects, air blast injury, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), advanced energetics (enhanced explosives), coupled fluid/structure interaction, aerothermodynamics, and peridynamics.
ARA offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits including medical and dental coverage, 401(k) profit sharing, life and long-term disability insurance, performance bonuses, and professional development.
Education and Security Requirements:- B.S. in physics or engineering (mechanical, chemical or aerospace)
- GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 for all degrees earned
- Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship
Required Skills:- General problem-solving skills
- Strong technical writing skills, and the ability to present technical material at conferences and at meetings with customers
- Knowledge of compressible flow and shock physics
- Capacity to work in a team environment and to cultivate business-development opportunities
- Initiative to work with moderate supervision; ability to prioritize efforts in a dynamic multi-tasking environment
Required Experience:- Performing calculations with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) or Computational Structural Dynamics (CSD) codes
- Programming in languages such as Python, Julia, Fortran, C or C++, Matlab, or R
- Working on Unix/Linux operating systems
- Manipulating data and presenting results in useful formats using tools such as Excel, DPlot, MATLAB or Mathematica
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Desired Qualifications or Experience:- M.S. in physics or engineering (mechanical, structural, chemical or aerospace)
- High Performance Computing (HPC), code development and running high-fidelity simulations on parallel platforms
- Modeling of multiphase flow
- Heat transfer modeling including conduction, convection, and radiation
- Experience with CFD meshing tools, like PointWise, ANSYS/FLUENT
- Comparing/analyzing experimental/simulation data and documenting results
- Planning and executing experimental efforts
