Chemical Kinetics Modeling Engineer

University of Dayton, Ohio•Dayton, OH

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) as a Chemical Kinetics Modeling Engineer where you will bring your modeling expertise to develop powerful fuel flow and chemistry simulations! Located in the vibrant tech hub of Dayton, Ohio, you'll contribute to cutting-edge research that directly impacts national security and technological advancement. UDRI offers an exceptional work environment where research excellence thrives. You'll enjoy comprehensive benefits including robust health coverage, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities. Apply today! The primary purpose of this position is to lead the development, numerical optimization, and validation of chemical kinetic mechanisms for complex aviation fuels and surrogate models. The researcher will utilize advanced computational tools and mathematical optimization techniques to align theoretical chemical models with experimental reactor data. This role bridges the gap between fundamental physical chemistry, reaction engineering, and applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to support advanced propulsion, thermal management, and energy system modeling.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related STEM field, plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant research experience (or a Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of highly specialized experience).
Proficiency with chemical kinetics modeling software (e.g., Cantera, Chemkin).
Experience with fluid dynamics software in current position (coursework alone may be acceptable if all other criteria met).
Strong programming skills in Python or equivalent, with specific expertise in scientific computing and numerical optimization libraries.
Experience processing and interpreting experimental datasets to validate computational models.
Comfortable working in groups, communicating/collaborating, and presenting technical findings to management.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Aerospace) plus 5 years of relevant research experience.
At least one degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) specifically in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
Experience coupling chemical kinetics with fluid dynamics software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent) for reacting flow simulations.
Expertise in surrogate fuel formulation, structural constraint modeling, and hierarchical mechanism tuning.
Familiarity with interpreting high-resolution analytical chemistry data (e.g., GCxGC).

Responsibilities

Lead the development, numerical optimization, and validation of chemical kinetic mechanisms for complex aviation fuels and surrogate models.
Utilize advanced computational tools and mathematical optimization techniques to align theoretical chemical models with experimental reactor data.
Bridge the gap between fundamental physical chemistry, reaction engineering, and applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to support advanced propulsion, thermal management, and energy system modeling.
Process and interpret experimental datasets to validate computational models.
Work in groups, communicate/collaborate, and present technical findings to management.