Aerospace Structural Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

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Leidos’ Defense Systems Kinetics Business Area is seeking a Senior Digital Engineering and Computational Dynamics Engineer to join our team as part of the Strategic High-speed Advanced Development Organization. In this position, the candidate will be expected to apply domain knowledge to digital engineering and CFD modeling and simulation for conceptual system design providing operational analysis and military utility assessments for our nation’s defense. We are looking for an experienced engineer with 12+ years of experience in a similar position. You will be responsible for designing and analyzing high-speed aerodynamic concepts.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, validate, and execute CFD simulations for low-speed and high-speed aerodynamic concepts.
• Generate high-quality computational meshes using industry-standard meshing software such as Pointwise or Capstone.
• Utilize advanced CFD solvers and codes (e.g., Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, US3D) for aerodynamic analysis and performance prediction.
• Conduct 6-DoF performance analysis and support flight dynamics assessments.
• Perform Fluid-Structural-Thermal Interaction (FTSI) analyses to evaluate coupled system behavior under operational environments.
• Apply stability and controls knowledge to assess and optimize vehicle performance and handling qualities.
• Develop and automate analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate results and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Support the preparation of flight test plans and range safety reviews as required.
• Translating highly technical concepts to program managers, government stakeholders, and customers.

Required Skills:

• 12+ years of experience in digital engineering, CFD modeling, simulation, and/or analysis for aerospace applications.
• Aptitude with CFD meshing tools such as Pointwise or Capstone.
• Hands-on experience with CFD codes including Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, and/or US3D.
• Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc.
• Strong background in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, stability and control.
• Apply digital twin concepts. Connecting requirements, design, manufacturing, and sustainment into one ecosystem.
• Familiarity with Cameo, JIRA, and Confluence tools.
• Experience/knowledge of developing and updating DoDAF Views.
• Experience with 6-DoF analysis and flight dynamics modeling.
• Practice in and/or understanding various forms of dynamics and multi-physics modeling in a digital engineering environment:
  • Trajectory Analysis (3DOF/6DOF)
  • Flex/Rigid Body Analysis (NDOF)
  • Thermal Analysis (ATAP, Cinda Fluid, Ansys)
  • Structural Analysis (Ansys, ADAMS)
  • Aerodynamics (MDC, Cart3d, Kestrel, etc.)
  • Underwater Hydrodynamics
  • AI/ML (neuro networks, MDAO)
• Experience or awareness in various vehicle types (not all inclusive):
  • Cruisers (Supersonic and Hypersonic)
  • Missiles
  • Interceptors
  • RVs
  • Glide Body’s
• Excellent communication, technical writing, and teamwork skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Active Secret Clearance required.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated capability in Fluid-Structural-Thermal Interaction (FTSI) analysis.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and MATLAB for simulation automation and data analysis.
• Proficiency and/or hands on experience with UPBEAT
• Familiarity with C++ and object-oriented programming
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
• Software Development Experience:
  • Python
  • Windows/Linux OS
  • Git/SVN
• CMMI and Coding standard experience
• Experience performing V&V and VV&A on M&S
• Ground Test and/or Flight Test experience
• Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.