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ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - FLUID/THERMAL

Job code: 18-01139


Job Summary:

Work in a team to provide fluid-thermal support for launch vehicle design and analysis that could include flow system modeling, turbomachinery design, combustion devices, multi-phase fluids, etc. Analyze problems in propulsion, power, and energy machinery applications. Interact directly with clients to understand complex problems and work in a team to formulate and execute a solution. Determine the best approach to solve fluid/thermal problems using a range of fidelity (i.e. 1D, 2D, or 3D methods). Develop custom scripts using Python to automate parameter sweeps in commercial software tools and post-process large data sets. Verify analysis using a first-principles approach to provide confidence in increasingly complex problems. Troubleshoot methods and results in computational software. Identify behaviors, responses to inputs, performance values, and off-design operation using computational fluid dynamics, finite element models. Interpret simulation results and present to clients in a concise and clear way, assist in the development of software and diagnostic tools to enhance data collection and analysis, machinery system modeling, machinery problem solving, and the design of improved fluid handling machinery and systems. Conduct laboratory research required by clients and directed at finding solutions and advancements for fluid handling machinery. Independently write technical reports, proposals, and technical presentations; participate in conferences and other events to actively promote SwRI business.


Education/Experience:

Requires a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related with 0-5 years of experience. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Requires a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering, or related with at least a 3.0 GPA with 0 – 5 years of experience. B.S. level candidates require internship/co-op experience. Experience in launch vehicle and spacecraft design and analysis, including experience with aerodynamic and/or mechanical design methods, combustion, CAD modeling, and analysis tools for design (finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics analysis, etc.) is preferred. Experience with evaluation and analysis of problems in launch vehicles or thermal-fluid pressure systems is preferred. Previous experience with rotating machinery and associated systems is a plus. Basic understanding of gas turbine, compressor, and pump station operation is desired. Coursework, research or industry experience in: liquid rocket propulsion systems, power generation, air-breathing propulsion or fluids and thermodynamics, machinery, etc. is required. Experience writing custom scripting/software solutions to rapidly solve problems not addressed by commercial software is preferred. Familiarity with fluid-thermal research in the laboratory/field to perform instrumentation and testing is a plus. Ability to conduct data collection and analysis to complete performance and mechanical evaluation of equipment to provide recommendations or possible solutions for improvements in systems’ operation is required. Proficiency in one or more of the following software is preferred: Thermal Desktop, Flow3D, ANSYS. Experience in Python, Matlab, or a similar language is desired. Writing and presentation skills for technical reports, papers, proposals and technical presentations for client meetings and conferences is required. A valid/clear driver's license is required.
This position requires passing the test.

Special Considerations:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.


Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas