Modeling & Test Engineer, Re-Entry Vehicle (Ph.D. Entry Level)

True Anomaly•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability. OUR MISSION The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all. OUR VALUES Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together YOUR MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES True Anomaly is seeking a Re-Entry Vehicle Modeling & Test Engineer to support modeling and simulation efforts for re-entry vehicle ground tests, contributing to aerothermal, thermal, and structural analyses under hypersonic conditions. The engineer will assist in the planning and execution of ground test campaigns at facilities such as wind tunnels, arc jets, and other high-enthalpy environments, working under the guidance of senior engineers and test leadership. Responsibilities include developing and applying physics-based models to inform test design and predict test outcomes, as well as providing support during test execution through data monitoring and preliminary assessments. Following test activities, the engineer will perform data reduction, analysis, and correlation to compare experimental results with analytical and numerical predictions. The role also includes contributing to the design and analysis of re-entry vehicle systems, including aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and materials behavior in hypersonic environments. Throughout these activities, the engineer will document methodologies, results, and findings in clear technical reports and presentations and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across test, design, and systems engineering.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a research focus in hypersonics , high-speed aerodynamics, or re-entry physics
Strong foundation in hypersonic flow physics, aerothermal heating, and heat transfer
Hands-on experience (academic or research-based) with modeling and simulation tools for fluid, thermal, or structural analysis
Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental or test data, including uncertainty assessment and model validation
Familiarity with ground test methods relevant to hypersonic or re-entry environments (e.g., wind tunnels, arc jets, plasma facilities)
Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written reports and oral presentations

Nice To Haves

Dissertation or research experience involving hypersonic ground testing or test-to-model correlation
Experience with CFD, thermal analysis, or multiphysics simulation tools commonly used in hypersonics research
Exposure to thermal protection materials or structures for re-entry vehicles
Experience working in team-based research environments with experimental and computational components
Interest in transitioning academic research into applied aerospace programs

Responsibilities

support modeling and simulation efforts for re-entry vehicle ground tests, contributing to aerothermal, thermal, and structural analyses under hypersonic conditions
assist in the planning and execution of ground test campaigns at facilities such as wind tunnels, arc jets, and other high-enthalpy environments, working under the guidance of senior engineers and test leadership
developing and applying physics-based models to inform test design and predict test outcomes
providing support during test execution through data monitoring and preliminary assessments
perform data reduction, analysis, and correlation to compare experimental results with analytical and numerical predictions
contributing to the design and analysis of re-entry vehicle systems, including aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and materials behavior in hypersonic environments
document methodologies, results, and findings in clear technical reports and presentations and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across test, design, and systems engineering