Aerodynamics Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), relocation assistance
United States, Texas, Houston
Jan 16, 2025
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. Job Summary The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The ideal candidate will be hired into VSD and will primarily support the Civil Systems Group (CSG) Program Office, who supports our NASA customer in all aspects of human space flight. In this role as an Aerodynamics Engineer (Project Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer - Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management), you will support the NASA Johnson Space Center Engineering Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division (AFMD) as an aerodynamics expert supporting human exploration programs. The AFMD provides technical leadership in the engineering disciplines of aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics; guidance, navigation, and control flight performance; mission design; and autonomous systems. The division provides engineering design, development, testing, and evaluation for all phases of space flight (ascent, entry, orbit, and interplanetary) and for all types of human spacecraft. Work Model This is a full-time position based at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, subject to continued customer demand. This position will require a minimum of (3-4) days in-office per week, with hybrid options based on business needs and customer deadlines. What You'll Be Doing Review or develop CFD models of various NASA Program spacecraft, including prepare, mesh, run, and post process CFD models Support and review the contractor developed engineering models, simulations and wind-tunnel testing in order to provide EG with confidence on the prediction flight operation ahead of flight validation Works closely with the GNC (guidance, navigation, and control) team in order to enable them to safely develop flight controls and mission plans Review post-flight data and compare to pre-flight estimates. Support real time launch and on orbit traverses if requested Interface with responsible engineers, providing them inputs to their designs and ensuring they have a clear understanding of the physical phenomena they are dealing with Be the liaison to Aerospace subject matter experts in aerodynamic design, analysis, and modeling to help the NASA Programs to resolve complex issues or problem resolutions What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management: Master's degree in aerospace, aeronautical or mechanical engineering is required 5 or more years of experience with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis is required Experience using existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools Experience in experimental testing Experience in data processing and analysis in MATLAB or Python Experience with thermal protection systems Strong background in external, compressible fluid dynamics Experience with NASA flight operations and procedures Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required) This position may require ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Integration/Technical Project Management include: At least 10+ years' experience with NASA or on NASA commercial systems is required Excellent teaming and leadership skills with an ability to working across diverse teams and multi-task across various issues/disciplines simultaneously How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you had one or more of these: Ph.D. in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering is strongly preferred Expertise in building on NASA Human Spaceflight topics and safety matters Leadership Competencies Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: Operate Strategically Lead Change Engage with Impact Foster Innovation Deliver Results Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: Comprehensive health care and wellness plans Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire Flexible spending accounts Variable pay program for exceptional contributions Relocation assistance Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career Education assistance programs An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion,genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights : Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.