Manager Combustion Kinetics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MTSI is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aerospace Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer with deep experience in hypersonics, aerothermodynamics, propulsion, and high-fidelity physics-based simulations. The ideal candidate has proven technical leadership experience, thrives in complex analysis environments, and can manage and execute medium- to large-scale technical tasks with limited oversight.
You will support aerospace research and engineering efforts across aerothermodynamics, high-speed propulsion, interceptor lethality, mission engineering, and advanced CFD-based studies. You will routinely interface with government customers, contribute to proposal efforts, and lead multidisciplinary teams.
Role & Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Technical Leadership & Execution

• Lead multiphysics M&S efforts including hypersonic flowfields, scramjet/ramjet propulsion, IR signature analysis, interceptor lethality, and aerothermal phenomena.
• Translate guidance from Program Managers or government technical leads into actionable engineering tasks and workflows.
• Manage and execute medium-large technical projects, ensuring efficient task coordination with available resources.
• Serve as technical lead for time-critical, high-visibility engineering tasks.
• Engage and support MTSI internal Senior Leaders, Technical Fellows/Directors, and Engineering Analysis team lead with technical expertise and business development.

Modeling & Simulation

• Develop, execute, and analyze high-fidelity CFD, combustion, and aerothermal simulations using GOTS, COTS, and privately developed tools such as US3D, STAR-CCM+, Cantera, Pointwise, Kestrel, Fluent, ParaView, VisIt, or similar.
• Optics performance modeling, seeker/sensor performance evaluation, Zmax experience preferred.
• GNC modeling experience preferred.
• Apply advanced chemical kinetics, plasma physics, and high-speed propulsion modeling expertise to complex aerospace problems.
• Conduct operations analysis and mission engineering studies using tools such as AFSIM.
• Conduct campaign analysis studies using tools such as CFAM or STORM.

Customer Engagement & Communication

• Routinely engage with government technical representatives, teammates, and subcontractors.
• Clearly explain results, analysis methodologies, and technical approaches in both formal and informal settings.
• Serve as technical volume lead for proposals; assist with Pink/Red team reviews.

Organizational Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Communities of Practice.
• Support or lead internal innovation projects and cross-functional technical initiatives.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and technical sessions as a presenter or chair.

Required Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in aerothermodynamics, hypersonics, combustion physics, high-speed propulsion, and CFD model development.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++, Bash, Java) and familiarity with modern M&S toolchains.
• Ability to independently break down complex problems, develop technical approaches, and assign tasks to others based on strengths.
• Strong technical writing, customer briefing, and communication skills.
• Experience leading or supporting business development activities.

Qualifications

• MS in Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in defense industry roles.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (highly preferred).
• Ability to work independently with guidance required only for the most complex situations.

Physical Requirements

• On-site at Alexandria, VA. Possibility of working remotely 1-2 days/week depending on contract work.

The pay range for this position is $120,000/year to $150,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. This posting will be renewed periodically until the position is filled.
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