Senior Kinetics DE​/CD Engineer

Senior Digital Engineering and Computational Dynamics Engineer

Leidos Defense Systems Kinetics Business Area is seeking an experienced engineer to join the Strategic High-speed Advanced Development Organization. The role focuses on digital engineering, CFD modeling, and simulation for conceptual system design, providing operational analysis and military utility assessments.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, validate, and execute CFD simulations for low‑ and high‑speed aerodynamic concepts.
• Generate high‑quality computational meshes using industry‑standard meshing software such as Pointwise or Capstone.
• Utilize advanced CFD solvers and codes (Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, US3D) for aerodynamic analysis and performance prediction.
• Conduct 6‑DoF performance analysis and support flight dynamics assessments.
• Perform Fluid‑Structural‑Thermal Interaction (FTSI) analyses to evaluate coupled system behavior under operational environments.
• Apply stability and control knowledge to assess and optimize vehicle performance and handling qualities.
• Develop and automate analysis workflows using Python and/or MATLAB.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate results and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of flight test plans and range safety reviews as required.
• Translate highly technical concepts to program managers, government stakeholders, and customers.

• 12+ years of experience in digital engineering, CFD modeling, simulation, and/or analysis for aerospace applications.
• Proficiency with CFD meshing tools such as Pointwise or Capstone.
• Hands‑on experience with CFD codes including Kestrel, FUN3D, Cart3D, CBAero, and/or US3D.
• Experience with digital engineering toolsets like UPBEAT, Model Center, Galaxy, etc.
• Strong background in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, stability, and control.
• Application of digital twin concepts connecting requirements, design, manufacturing, and sustainment.
• Familiarity with Cameo, JIRA, and Confluence tools.
• Experience/knowledge of developing and updating DoDAF views.
• Experience with 6‑DoF analysis and flight dynamics modeling.
• Practice in various forms of dynamics and multi‑physics modeling in a digital engineering environment: trajectory analysis, flex/rigid body analysis, thermal analysis (ATAP, Cinda Fluid, Ansys), structural analysis (Ansys, ADAMS), aerodynamics (MDC, Cart3D, Kestrel), underwater hydrodynamics, AI/ML (neural networks, MDAO).
• Experience with various vehicle types (supersonic & hypersonic cruise missiles, interceptors, RVs, glide bodies).
• Excellent communication, technical writing, and teamwork skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Active Secret Clearance required.

• Demonstrated capability in Fluid‑Structural‑Thermal Interaction (FTSI) analysis.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and MATLAB for simulation automation and data analysis.
• Proficiency and/or hands‑on experience with UPBEAT.
• Familiarity with C++ and object‑oriented programming.
• Experience with CAD tools such as Solid Works.
• Software development experience:
  Python, Windows/Linux OS, Git/SVN, CMMI and coding standards.
• Experience performing V&V and VV&A on M&S.
• Ground Test and/or Flight Test experience.
• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Leidos is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated fairly and without discrimination.