Computational Chemistry Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates•Mountain View, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AMA is hiring a Computational Chemistry Engineer for the ASSESS contract with NASA Ames' Aerothermodynamics branch. The candidate will use ab-initio quantum chemistry simulations to improve shock layer kinetics and radiation models. By statistically analyzing first principles simulations, the engineer will develop time-accurate descriptions of chemical kinetics in shock-heated gases around planetary entry capsules, constructing simplified models for reaction rates under varying thermochemical non-equilibrium conditions. Work will be performed in an office environment in person at NASA Ames Research Center. This position may require occasional travel to other NASA centers, research facilities, or technical conferences.

Requirements

PhD in computational chemistry or related fields
Experience running DSMC, computational chemistry tools
Strong background in Computational Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics, and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Experience running computational simulations in a Linux based HPC environment
US Citizenship or permanent residence is required.

Responsibilities

Perform ab-initio quantum chemistry simulations to support shock layer kinetics and radiation model development for planetary entry
Validate simulation results against experimental data and other computational approaches
Collaborate with shock tube experimental campaigns to interpret data and predict molecular properties
Conduct steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations to predict reentry capsule aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic performance, forces, moments and heat loads