Weapons Systems Aerospace Engineer

Kratos Defense

Huntsville, AL

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Aerodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Design Evaluation, Facilities Management, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, Instrumentation, Integration Testing, MATLAB, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Monte Carlo Method, Operational Support, Optimization Algorithm, Performance Modeling, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Physics, Programming Languages, Project/Program Coordination, Propulsion, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Simulation, Software Engineering, Stability Analysis, System Integration (SI), System Test, Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Test Data, Test Design, Test Plan/Schedule, Test Program, Testing, Top Secret Clearance, Trade Studies, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Huntsville, AL
POSTED
3 days ago

Kratos Defense Rocket Support Services is seeking a Subject Matter Expert in high-speed missile system design for advanced weapon systems. Responsibilities include developing 6-DOF aerodynamic models, coordinating wind tunnel programs, and managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams on long range strike and air-breathing propulsion missile programs.  May require up to 25% travel to support launch operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Lead aerodynamic design and analysis for advanced high-speed missile systems from conceptual design through flight test, including air-breathing propulsion integration, control surface optimization, and stability & control evaluation
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity aerodynamic models including complete 6-DOF force and moment databases, uncertainty quantification models, and pseudo-6DOF Monte Carlo simulations for trajectory analysis and guidance system evaluation
  • Execute computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses using STAR-CCM+, OVERFLOW, Kestrel, and other solver tools to predict aerodynamic performance, optimize inlet designs, characterize unsteady flow phenomena, and resolve shock-boundary layer interactions
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute wind tunnel test programs including test article design, facility coordination, instrumentation planning, data acquisition oversight, and post-test data analysis and reporting
  • Create physics-based models of flight systems for use in trajectory simulations.
  • Lead multi-disciplinary integrated product teams as the aerodynamic technical authority, facilitating weekly technical reviews, mitigating technical risks, evaluating schedules, and ensuring alignment between aerodynamic requirements and system-level performance objectives
  • Generate test plans, test procedures and test reports.
  • Develop custom engineering tools and optimization algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and other programming languages to automate aerodynamic design processes, perform trade studies, and efficiently evaluate large design spaces
  • Participate in full system integration tests and vehicle launch activities.
  • Mentor junior engineers and technical staff on aerodynamic prediction methodologies, CFD best practices, design tool utilization, and missile system integration considerations while contributing to organizational capability development

 



Keyword: Monte-Carlo, C++, Python, MATLAB
Required Experience:

JOB SKILLS:

  • Demonstrated experience developing 6-DOF aerodynamic models including force and moment coefficient databases for flight simulation and guidance system evaluation
  • Proven track record leading technical teams on missile development programs from conceptual design through flight test or production
  • Hands-on experience with aerodynamic prediction tools including Missile DATCOM, panel methods, engineering analysis codes, or semi-empirical prediction techniques
  • Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar languages for data analysis, tool development, and design optimization
  • Direct involvement in air-breathing propulsion integration for ramjet, scramjet, or turbine-powered missile systems (highly desired)
  • Monte-Carlo analysis plans and execution
  • Proficient in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to obtain Top Secret Clearance

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • MS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with a focus in aerodynamics and propulsion.
  • 10+ years relevant professional experience

From: Kratos Defense

About the Company

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Kratos Defense