Aircraft Propulsion Flow Modeling Engineer

Peraton•Government Site, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton is seeking a mid-level Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) engineer to provide support for our NAVAIR customer in Lexington Park/Patuxent River, MD. In this position you will have the opportunity to be part of critical jet aircraft and rotorcraft propulsion design and development projects. Be part of an exciting team making a difference for the US Naval Air Forces. Primary duties will include supporting and enhancing ongoing fluid dynamics analysis projects in the Propulsion and Power organization. You will use in-house tools to develop 3D flow models in support of our propulsion customers. Current projects include the need to reduce flow separation, predict flow induced forcing on nozzles and inlets, and analyze heat transfer for current and future Navy aircraft systems. Several projects involve proposing improved inlet and nozzle designs to improve the efficiency and durability of Navy and Marine Corps propulsion systems. This exciting work includes reviewing failure information from the fleet and providing accurate and rapid results to our customers. As a CFD modeler, your work will include post-processing results and creating well-written status reports/presentations to non-experts (in the CFD field), such as program managers. You will work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. This fast-paced position requires an energetic person who can learn quickly and work well with the Technical Lead and other team members.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 6 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 3 years with PhD
A minimum requirement of a BS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related engineering discipline
A proven history of setting up, running, and assessing the quality of CFD simulations independently
A background in rotorcraft, with familiarity in how they operate, their design considerations, and rotor blade modeling
Experience using high-powered computers (such as the DoD HPC system)
Intermediate to advanced experience with the Linux environment (command-line operations, file transfers, scripting)
The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
US Citizenship is required

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree (PhD) is preferred
5+ years of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) experience
Great communicator with experience collaborating across organizations and briefing both technical and non-technical external audiences
High proficiency with CAD software such as SpaceClaim, Solidworks, or Rhino, particularly with experience in mechanical model to fluid model conversion
Experience in scripting or CFD automation, such as writing submission, pre-, and post-processing scripts
Higher-level experience in self-automating CAD, meshing, input file generation, and batch submissions is highly valuable
Working knowledge and experience with CharLES and/or Large Eddy Simulation (LES) tools for modeling aircraft-related flows or gas turbine engine flows
In-depth knowledge of the detailed mathematical models used in CFD/RANS/LES tools to simulate boundary layers, predict flow separation points, model compressibility effects (shocks), and model turbulence
Lagrangian Sand Particle modeling and/or barrier filter modeling experience
Icing risk assessment experience, including modeling droplet deposition, ice shape development, and associated distortion risks
Specific experience or knowledge of military helicopter platforms

Responsibilities

Supporting and enhancing ongoing fluid dynamics analysis projects in the Propulsion and Power organization
Develop 3D flow models in support of propulsion customers
Reduce flow separation
Predict flow induced forcing on nozzles and inlets
Analyze heat transfer for current and future Navy aircraft systems
Propose improved inlet and nozzle designs to improve the efficiency and durability of Navy and Marine Corps propulsion systems
Review failure information from the fleet and provide accurate and rapid results to customers
Post-processing results
Create well-written status reports/presentations to non-experts
Work both independently and as part of a collaborative team