Computational Fluid Dynamics Applications Engineer

Job Overview

AMA is seeking an experienced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applications Engineer to perform aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic analyses and simulations across a wide range of flight regimes in support of a NASA contract. The role involves applying advanced CFD methodologies to analyze vehicle performance from low‑speed commercial aircraft through hypersonic re‑entry conditions, contributing to the advancement of aerospace vehicle design and mission success.

• Perform computational fluid dynamics simulations for aerospace vehicles operating across multiple speed regimes, including low‑speed commercial aircraft, transonic/supersonic flight, and hypersonic re‑entry of crew and cargo configurations.
• Conduct steady Reynolds‑Averaged Navier‑Stokes (RANS) simulations to predict aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic performance, forces, moments, heat loads, and flow characteristics.
• Generate high‑quality unstructured grids for complex vehicle geometries and perform manual or automated grid adaptation.
• Analyze and interpret CFD results to provide engineering insights for vehicle design, performance optimization, and mission planning.
• Validate simulation results against other computational approaches, experimental data, and flight test measurements.
• Document analysis methodologies, simulation parameters, and results in technical reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamicists, aerothermodynamicists, aeroelasticians, and flight mechanics engineers.
• Support the development and implementation of best practices for CFD simulation workflows.
• Contribute to code verification and validation activities to ensure simulation accuracy and reliability.

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field; or 2+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in the same disciplines.
• Experience with steady RANS simulations.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard unstructured‑grid CFD software packages such as FUN3D, STAR‑CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, or equivalent.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and numerical methods.
• Experience with grid generation tools (unstructured and hybrid meshes).Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments and high‑performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Experience analyzing flows across multiple Mach number regimes.
• Strong programming/scripting skills in Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C/C++, or similar.
• Ability to process and visualize large datasets with tools such as Tecplot, Para View, or Field View.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proven track record of technical documentation and reporting.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence.

• Proficiency with NASA‑developed CFD code and automated grid refinement.
• Experience with hypersonic flow physics, including high‑temperature gas effects, chemical non‑equilibrium, radiation heat transfer, and ablation modeling.
• Familiarity with scale‑resolving methods such as Hybrid RANS‑LES, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), Wall‑Modeled LES (WMLES), Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), DDES, IDDES, and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS).
• Knowledge of uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis techniques.
• Experience with high‑lift device analysis (flaps, slats, landing gear aerodynamics).
• Experience with automated workflow development and parametric studies.
• Programming experience for HPC environments, including MPI, CUDA/HIP/SYCL for GPUs, and OpenMP.
• Background in experimental aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing.
• Publications in peer‑reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence Required.

• Salary range: 87,000 – 135,000, commensurate with education and experience.
• Benefits include paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave; 401(k) matching with immediate vesting; tuition reimbursement; short‑and long‑term disability plans; and medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No discrimination is allowed on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by law.