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SpaceX

Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

3w

SpaceX

US · Full-time · $170,000 – $250,000

About this role

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. The Starship Aerodynamics team is responsible for predicting the aerodynamics and aerothermal environments booster and ship experience during all phases of their missions. Aerodynamics engineers use engineering models, simulations and wind-tunnel testing for accurate predictions ahead of flight validation.

The team works closely with the GNC team to enable safe landing and recovery of both Starship stages. They support engineers responsible for vehicle structures during design efforts. Engineers apply understanding of flow fields from subsonic through hypersonic regimes while operating prediction tools.

Day-to-day involves preparing, meshing, running, and post-processing CFD models. Review post-flight data compared to pre-flight estimates. Interface with responsible engineers providing design inputs and ensuring clear understanding of physical phenomena.

Write code and scripts in various languages integrated into automated workflows. Contribute to technologies enabling human life on Mars. Gain exposure to advanced aerothermal analysis in a high-stakes aerospace environment.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience with aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis
  • Master's degree or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering
  • Experience with Siemens STAR-CCM+ and developing scripts in Java
  • Experience with solvers used by NASA for entry vehicles, e.g. FUN3D, Loci/CHEM, DPLR
  • Experimental testing experience
  • Data processing and analysis in MATLAB or Python
  • Strong background in external, compressible fluid dynamics

Responsibilities

  • Prepare, mesh, run, and post-process CFD models
  • Review post-flight data and compare to pre-flight estimates
  • Interface with responsible engineers, providing inputs to designs and ensuring clear understanding of physical phenomena
  • Write code and scripts in various languages for mostly automated workflows
  • Develop simulations for aerodynamics and aerothermal environments across mission phases
  • Conduct wind-tunnel testing to validate predictions
  • Collaborate with GNC team for vehicle landing and recovery
  • Support structures engineers with flow field analysis from subsonic to hypersonic