What are the responsibilities and job description for the Rotorcraft Cost Engineer (Remote, TOC) position at CFD Research Corporation?
About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com
CFD Research Corporation is seeking a multidisciplinary engineer with expertise in rotary-wing and advanced air vehicle design to support the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Center's (AvMC) Technology Development Directorate (TDD). This role directly supports the Conceptual Design and Assessment (CD&A) Branch and contributes to the evaluation and development of next-generation Army aviation concepts.
The selected candidate will apply and extend design tools, develop cost estimating methodologies, and perform system-level analyses spanning cost and performance. This position has a strong emphasis on cost modeling and cost-informed design, enabling data-driven decisions across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design efforts.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate and improve aircraft cost estimates, technology assumptions, technical solutions, and risk impacts.
- Develop and refine cost estimating relationships for aircraft lifecycle and component-level costs.
- Conduct multi-disciplinary trade studies to explore design and requirements trade space with CD&A stakeholders.
- Drive trades decisions and recommend requirements to improve system performance, cost, and mission effectiveness.
- Provide insight into operational effectiveness and affordability of proposed air vehicle concepts.
- Utilize government-standard tools, such as NASA Design and Analysis of Rotorcraft (NDARC), for detailed aircraft modeling and performance assessment.
- Assess current and emerging technologies through cost-benefit analysis and support system-level assessments of component technologies.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an accredited college or university.
- 5 years of experience performing conceptual design of rotorcraft or air vehicle conceptual design, including performance, cost estimation, and weight.
- Demonstrated experience developing Cost Estimating Relationships for aircraft systems or lifecycle cost.
- Experience with aircraft design and analysis tools such as NDARC and Air Vehicle Integrated Design Environment (AIDEN).
- U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
- Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time
Preferred Qualifications
- M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Advanced knowledge of rotor conceptual design process.
- Experience leading technical efforts or working independently in multidisciplinary environments.
- Familiarity with OpenVSP, OpenMDAO, or similar modeling frameworks.
- Experience supporting government customers or defense acquisition environments.
Location: This is a remote, part-time, TOC position with flexible, on-demand hours that vary based on contract needs and candidate availability.
Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.
CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories