Aerothermal Analysis Lead

This position provides the opportunity to perform impactful work on a variety of projects that directly supports several hypersonic programs within the Department of Defense and NASA. Candidates with interest and expertise in the areas of hypersonics, material test and evaluation, compressible flow, numerical analysis, grid generation, computational fluid dynamics, or thermal/aerothermal analysis are encouraged to apply. The candidate must be able to effectively lead and manage an analysis team performing aerothermal and fluids analysis of high-speed systems and thermal protection systems (TPS). The candidate must show demonstrated competency in conjugate heat transfer and material evaluation to understand the relevant environments of interest. The candidate shall have direct experience in performing these analyses for flight and ground test environments. Analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, and detail orientation are key skills necessary for this position.

Key Responsibilities

Others may be added

• Lead and manage all aspects of fluid, thermal, and fluid-structure interaction analyses, leveraging the current analysis team and tools.
• Support thermal/aerothermal and fluids modeling of hypersonic vehicles and reentry components to support vehicle evaluations and ground-based tests of TPS. Analysis is performed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and reduced-order modeling tools.
• Interface with test engineers to support the modeling and simulation of various test planning and design needs.
• Leverage modeling, data, and experience to expand the understanding of material performance in hypersonic environments.
• Support the team in technical development related to modeling and simulation tools, including ablation and decomposition models.
• Provide the analysis team members with feedback and recognition.
• Generate and perform annual performance reviews.
• Use engineering principals and judgement to evaluate performance of various systems tested in an arc jet environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DoD) SECRET.
• Masteris or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
• 5 years of directly related experience modeling supersonic/hypersonic environments and/or thermal protection systems.
• Experience related to hypersonic TPS ground testing.
• Experience in leading team-based analyses and managing group tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly in a complex, high technology environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing security clearance at a level equivalent to DoD SECRET.
• 8 years of directly related experience modeling supersonic/hypersonic environments and/or thermal protection systems.
• Experience in developing material response models (ablation, decomposition, thermal-chemical).
• Experience in performing work for DoD customers.

Organizational Core Values:

• Integrity We adhere to a code of sound ethical behavior that builds trust and confidence in all we do. We clearly communicate expectations and provide reliable results and candid feedback to our employees, customers and stakeholders.
• Safety and environment We are an environmentally conscious, safety first organization. We value our employees and our planet and conduct our business consistent with that priority.
• Excellence We understand and consistently meet or exceed our internal and external customeris expectations. We are accountable for timelines, quality and cost.
• Individual and community focused We promote an open, collaborative and supportive environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual. We openly communicate information and ideas to our stakeholders; customers; employees; and the larger community.
• Innovation We explore ideas and create solutions to global needs. We use science and engineering to solve the worldis most difficult problems.

Job Specific Behaviors:

• Motivated- Works independently and a self-starter who can thrive in a dynamic team environment to keep projects on track, resolve problems, and deliver results.
• Analytical Thinking and Detail Orientation- Small details constantly change that can have large impacts on over schedules or objectives. Identifying problems, troubleshooting and developing and implementing solutions requires detailed analysis in each task.
• Quality Orientation- Accomplishes tasks by considering all areas involved; no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes, procedures and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.
• Planning and Organization- Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives. This position will require the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with team members and customers. Candidate should have demonstrated history of effective verbal and written communication.

Work Environment & Conditions:

This position will be located at the Kratos SRE office in Birmingham, AL.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to work at computer for extended periods of time.

Travel:

Minimal domestic travel