What You'll Do
Conduct detailed aerothermal and thermal assessments to support the development of high-speed, air-launched aerospace vehicles. Use analytical and numerical methods to evaluate system performance, safety margins, and structural response under extreme flight conditions. Build and refine models for diverse hypersonic configurations to guide design decisions.
Assess candidate materials for upgrades to the vehicle’s Thermal Protection System, focusing on weight, durability, and thermal performance. Support trade studies that influence vehicle architecture and contribute to the development of in-house analysis tools. Validate modeling approaches using ground and flight test data to improve prediction accuracy.
Collaborate on technical proposals for U.S. government and industry partners. Maintain a strong commitment to technical rigor, accountability, and ethical standards throughout all phases of development.
Requirements
- Proven background in aerothermal and thermal analysis for aerospace systems, particularly in supersonic or hypersonic regimes
- Understanding of thermal protection materials and their integration into aircraft or vehicle design
- Experience in aerospace development or testing environments
- Familiarity with supersonic and hypersonic flight theory and associated analytical methods
- Ability to manage independent tasks and adapt to shifting project priorities
- Eligibility to obtain a security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of metallic hot-structure airframes and hybrid thermal protection approaches
- Experience with thermal management in fuel-cooled propulsion systems such as ramjets or scramjets
- Understanding of thermal control for high-power electronics and seeker systems in missile applications
- Background in hot-gas sealing and thermal isolation techniques for hypersonic platforms
- Track record of correlating analytical models with test data
- Current TS/SCI security clearance
Technical Environment
Work with tools including MS Office, CFD platforms such as Link3D or US3D, thermal and aerothermal modeling software, FEMAP or NX Simcenter, and CAD systems like NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA. Programming and automation tasks may involve Python, MATLAB, or CBAERO. Configuration control is managed through Jira.
Work Mode
This role is based in Mojave, CA. Hybrid work arrangements may be available for qualified applicants, with full remote consideration for exceptional candidates located outside California.
Benefits
- 9/80 work schedule
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- 401(k) plan with 50% company match up to $11,500 annually
- Tuition reimbursement program
