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Computational Aeroelasticity Software Developer (Early Career)

Position Overview

Cadence Design Systems is seeking a highly motivated Computational Aeroelasticity Software Developer to contribute to the development of next-generation aeroelastic and aerothermoelastic simulation technologies spanning subsonic through hypersonic flight applications. This role is ideal for a recent Ph.D. graduate, postdoctoral researcher, or early-career engineer with research experience in computational aeroelasticity, multidisciplinary simulation, scientific computing, or related fields.

The successful candidate will work with senior MSC Nastran developers to develop, validate, and commercialize advanced simulation methods used by aerospace, defense, and space organizations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Computational Aeroelasticity & Aerothermoelasticity Development

Contribute to the development, verification, validation, and deployment of advanced aeroelastic simulation capabilities, including:

Low-Fidelity Methods

• Panel methods, Doublet Lattice Method (DLM), and Vortex Lattice Method (VLM)
• Generalized aerodynamic force generation
• Linearized and frequency-domain aerodynamic modeling

Medium-Fidelity Methods

• Hybrid CFD-panel methodologies
• Reduced-order and surrogate modeling
• Transonic correction techniques
• Time-domain aeroelastic formulations
• Flexible vehicle dynamic simulation methods

High-Fidelity Methods

• CFD-based aeroelasticity using Euler and Navier-Stokes solvers
• Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and CFD-CSD coupling
• Nonlinear aeroelasticity and aerothermoelasticity
• High-speed and hypersonic aeroelastic analysis

Support the development of solutions for:

• Static and dynamic aeroelasticity
• Flutter prediction
• Divergence and control reversal
• Gust response and aeroservoelasticity
• Buffet response and limit-cycle oscillations
• Nonlinear aeroelastic behavior

Work with senior technical staff to transition advanced research concepts into production-quality commercial software.

Hypersonic & High-Speed Flight Simulation

Contribute to the development of simulation technologies for high-speed and hypersonic vehicle applications, including:

• Hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics
• Shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions
• Thermal-structural coupling and aerothermoelasticity
• High-temperature flight environments
• Flight stability and control at high Mach numbers

Participate in the implementation and validation of numerical methods such as:

• Piston theory
• Supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamic methods
• Shock-expansion techniques
• Reduced-order models
• CFD-based aeroelastic methodologies

Prior research experience in one or more of these areas is highly desirable.

Multidisciplinary Simulation & Structural Dynamics

Collaborate with structural dynamics, CFD, and multiphysics development teams to build integrated simulation workflows.

Contribute to:

• Modal analysis and structural dynamics
• Dynamic response analysis
• Eigenvalue extraction methods
• Coupled aerodynamic-structural simulations
• Thermal stress and buckling analyses
• Large-scale finite element modeling

Support applications involving:

• Commercial and military aircraft
• Rotorcraft and UAVs
• Hypersonic vehicles
• Space and launch systems
• Advanced aerospace and defense platforms

Scientific Software Development

Develop robust and scalable commercial software capabilities, including:

• Numerical algorithms and solver development
• Scientific software architecture
• APIs and workflow automation
• Multiphysics integration frameworks
• Verification and validation methodologies
• Automated testing and continuous integration practices

Participate in the full software development lifecycle from research prototype to commercial product deployment.

High-Performance Computing

Contribute to the development and optimization of scalable simulation technologies using:

• Parallel computing concepts
• MPI, OpenMP, GPU, or accelerator technologies
• Cloud and distributed computing environments

Optimize algorithms for large-scale engineering simulations and advanced aerospace workflows. Prior experience is beneficial but not required.

Customer & Industry Engagement

Work with technical experts, product teams, and customers to:

• Understand aerospace simulation requirements
• Support technical demonstrations

Required Qualifications

General

US person status satisfying U.S. export control requirements as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

Education

• Ph.D. with outstanding research experience in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Computational Engineering, or a related field.
• Research specialization in computational aeroelasticity, aerodynamics, CFD, structural dynamics, or multidisciplinary simulation.

Experience

• 0-5 years of industrial experience, or equivalent graduate/postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated research experience in aeroelasticity spanning low to high speed flight regimes.
• Experience developing research software, computational tools, or numerical simulation capabilities.
• Ability to translate research concepts into practical engineering solutions.
• Record of technical publications, research projects, or thesis work in relevant areas.
  

Technical Skills

Aerodynamics

• Knowledge of potential flow methods, panel methods, DLM, or VLM
• Understanding of subsonic, transonic, supersonic, or hypersonic aerodynamics
• Familiarity with CFD fundamentals and numerical methods

Aeroelasticity

• Coursework or research in flutter, dynamic aeroelasticity, gust response, or aeroservoelasticity
• Familiarity with aeroelastic modeling and reduced-order methods
• Exposure to aerothermoelasticity or high-speed aeroelasticity is a plus

Structural Dynamics & FEA

• Modal analysis and structural dynamics fundamentals
• Finite element methods and numerical analysis
• Dynamic response and eigenvalue analysis

Software Development

• Programming experience in C++ and Python.
• Experience developing scientific or engineering software
• Knowledge of software engineering best practices

High-Performance Computing

• Familiarity with parallel computing concepts
• Exposure to MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, GPU computing is desirable

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Passion for computational engineering and simulation technology
• Ability to learn new technical domains quickly
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• Customer-focused mindset with strong collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. research focused on computational aeroelasticity, aerothermoelasticity, CFD, structural dynamics, or hypersonics
• Publications in recognized aerospace journals or conferences
• Experience with commercial or research simulation tools such as MSC Nastran, Abaqus, ZAERO, FUN3D, SU2, SCFLOW, Fidelity, Charles, Fluent, STAR-CCM+, CFD++, or equivalent
• Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO)
• Experienced in leveraging AI for development
• Reduced-order modeling techniques
• Experience with HPC environments and large-scale simulations
• Participation in collaborative research programs with aerospace organizations, government laboratories, or universities

The annual salary range for California is $98,000 to $182,000. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.