We are seeking a Senior Aerodynamics/CFDย Engineerย for our Boulder, Colorado location. This role can be remote with travel.
Responsibilitiesย
- Design,ย loftย andย optimizeย components that affectย the aircraftย aerodynamics and outer moldย lineย (OML).ย
- Build models, clean CAD geometry, and generate computational meshes to run CFD simulations that:ย
- Informย aircraftย trade studies and configuration design decisions usingย appropriatelyย fidelity levels.ย
- Support aerodynamic design across all phases, from concept development through certification.ย
- Develop andย maintainย high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for performance prediction, external-loadsย analysis, and real-time six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations.ย
- Correlate and validate CFD results against simulations of varying fidelityย (e.g.ย cross-code comparisons, wind-tunnel testing, and flight-test data). Iterate models as new data becomes available.ย
- Post-process and analyze simulation and test data. Summarize results in reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, as needed.ย
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (performance, acoustics, loads, stability and control, control laws, systems, and instrumentation) to define simulation parameters and requirements, ensure model accuracy, and provide CFDย expertiseย to guide design decisions.ย
- Develop and improveย the softwareย methods, tools, and workflows that support aerodynamic modeling.ย
- Support verification and validation activities that rely on model outputs (e.g., failure hazard assessments (FHAs)).ย
- Train and mentor junior aerodynamics engineers.ย
Requirements
Requiredย Qualificationsย
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering or a related fieldย
- 15+ years of experience with a B.S., 10+ years with an M.S., or 8+ years with a Ph.D. modeling subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics using CFD and validating results with wind-tunnel experimentsย
- Expert-level knowledge of subsonic, fixed-wing aerodynamics; strong theoretical background in fluid mechanics and CFDย
- Experience with surface parameterization and aerodynamic shape optimizationย
- Experience in turbulence modeling, boundary-layer transition, unsteady aerodynamics, and interference aerodynamicsย
- Strong competence running NASA OVERFLOW and/or FUN3D CFD software (RANS flow solvers)ย
- Proficiencyย in 3D surface and volume meshing using structured overset meshes and/or unstructured tetrahedral/hexahedral meshesย
- Proficiencyย in loftingย aircraftย in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX) and applying CAD cleanup toolsย
- Proficiencyย in Python and/or MATLAB scriptingย
- Experience working with external partners and suppliers on development projectsย
- Familiarity with software development best practices and version control (Git)ย
- Good knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) hardware and softwareย
- Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skillsย
- Ability to work well both collaboratively and independentlyย
- Experience in a fast-paced design environmentย
Preferredย Qualificationsย
- Aerodynamics design experience on a large transport/freighter/cargo categoryย aircraftย ย ย
- Familiarity withย aircraftย certification standards (14 CFR Part 25 or Part 23), preferably having been through an airplane development and certification programย
- Familiarity with cloud computing platformsย
- Experience planning and executing wind-tunnel test campaigns to validate CFD and aerodynamic predictionsย
- Proficiencyย in MATLABย
- Experience mentoring junior aerodynamics engineers in CFD
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus mental health support with 24/7 counseling, virtual therapy, and the Calm app.ย
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary critical illness and accident coverage, and a 401(k)-retirement savings plan.ย
- Health Care FSA and HSA options with tax advantages and rollover features.ย
- Employees working from Boulder office enjoy complimentarylunchon any day they work onsite.ย
- Additionalbenefits includeEmployee Assistance Program, caregiver support, discounted fitness memberships, educationalassistance, training programs, adoptionassistance, commuter benefits, and exclusive discounts through Perks at Work.ย