Weapons Systems Aerospace Engineer

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

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