CFD Engineer

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

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 team s 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%.

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, education…