What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Computational Thermofluid Engineer position at Southwest Research Institute?
Who We Are:
The Propulsion & Energy Machinery Section performs engineering R&D in the fields of gas turbine combustion, air-breathing propulsion, industrial heat and power, and liquid propulsion. Our technologies are powering a cleaner future and advancing state-of-the-art propulsion systems for air and space flight.
Objectives of this Role:
- Support the development, analysis, and testing of power generation and propulsion systems, with a specific focus on combustion applications.
- Engage in the development of advanced computational models to explore complex combustion phenomena, contributing to cutting-edge research in thermofluids, power generation, and propulsion systems.
- Utilize expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, and combustion processes to optimize designs and improve performance in power generation and propulsion systems.
- Leverage state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, including Ansys Fluent, Converge, and OpenFOAM to simulate flow conditions and analyze combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems.
- Integrate experimental insights with simulation data to validate models and develop predictive capabilities for combustion processes in power generation and propulsion systems operating under extreme conditions.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Provide cross-disciplinary support to multiple projects within the field of combustion, focusing mainly on computational tasks.
- Conduct design, optimization, and validation of combustion processes using CFD.
- Contribute to the design of combustion processes for power generation and propulsion systems.
- Assist in executing experimental test campaigns, including data acquisition, processing, and analysis, to support model validation.
- Be a problem solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in developing approaches to address a wide range of technical challenges.
Requirements:
- Requires a Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering degree. 1 yr experience required with MS degree, 0 yr experience required with PhD in relevant areas.
- 1-5 years: Demonstrated experience in CFD simulations of thermofluids and combustion processes. Experience with supersonic and/or hypersonic flow simulations is preferred but not required.
- 1-5 years: Experience in computationally-aided design of propulsion and power generation systems. Experience in designing system components is also valued.
- 1-5 years: Demonstrated proficiency in using CFD software such as Ansys Fluent, Converge, STAR-CCM , or OpenFOAM for simulating and analyzing combustion processes. Experience with additional simulation tools is preferred but not required.
- Experimental experience with combustion processes and mechanical design is highly desirable but not mandatory. MS or PhD degrees in engineering are preferred, but not required. Relevant degrees will also be considered.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
Special Requirements:
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.
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.
