Phd Cfd Computational Engineer Jobs in California

To support these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer (Level II or Senior level) to join our advanced hypersonic design team. In this role, you will support the conceptual and detailed design of current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles, focusing on advanced CFD analyses, aerodynamic and aerothermal modeling, and the development of analytical tools. Responsibilities include contributing to design trade studies, detailed analyses, tool development, and flight test support. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerodynamics and aerothermal analysis, with hands-on experience modeling complex flow interactions across the subsonic to hypersonic flight regimes. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Conduct advanced CFD analyses of captive carry and hypersonic vehicles, with emphasis on: 
• Interference effects (e.g., multi-body, control surface, propulsion-airframe interactions) 
• High-speed, high-enthalpy flows (Mach 5+) aero and aerothermal predictions 
• Develop, manage, and validate large CFD databases for a variety of vehicle configurations using CFD and supporting test data
• Contribute to aerodynamic and aerothermal databases by integrating analytical, numerical, wind tunnel, and flight test data
• Support trajectory analysis and optimization for current and future vehicles
• Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data as required to validate CFD models
• Develop and maintain CFD automation tools to support the team
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate CFD results into broader vehicle design and performance analyses
• Support business proposals and technical presentations to government and industry partners

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 2+ years (Level II) or 5+ years (Senior) of relevant engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of industry experience and applied graduate work
• Proficiency in CFD meshing techniques using tools such as Pointwise, ANSA, or Link3D to generate high-quality meshes for complex geometries
• Strong foundation in aerodynamics, aerothermal dynamics, and flight mechanics 
• Proficiency with at least one major CFD solver (e.g., US3D, Fun3D, StarCCM+, Kestrel)
• Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and post-processing
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities
• Willing and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with hypersonic aerodynamic theory and analysis 
• Demonstrated expertise in CFD for subsonic, transonic, or hypersonic flows
• Experience complex CFD simulations including multibody interactions, plume, scramjet, or aero heating predictions
• Familiarity with advanced meshing techniques including overset meshing and fully structured meshes on complex vehicles
• Experience developing and managing large CFD databases
• Experience conducting CFD and related tasks on HPC resources
• Proficient in lofting compound surfaces for aerospace vehicles 
• Experience with CFD analysis tools - preferred: US3D, Fun3D, Pointwise, ANSA Link3D, StarCCM+, Kestrel, Tecplot, Paraview 
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software tools - preferred: Siemens NX 
• Active security clearance 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Level II ($101,079-$146,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr-Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• While Stratolaunch is headquartered in Mojave, CA, this position offers flexibility in work location. Remote, hybrid, and on-site arrangements are all available based on candidate preference and business needs. 
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <5%.