Propulsion/Aerodynamics Engineer

Wild West Systems Inc.•Leander, TX

About The Position

Wild West Systems is an American defense technology company with the mission to equip the civilized world with superior and affordable arms and advanced technologies - to dominate the battlefield of present and future threats, in a new era of asymmetrical warfare. We fuse versatile domain experience with novel approach and creativity to change the paradigm of defense - both for military arenas and civilian soft targets. We're an early stage startup, rapidly moving and growing. Translate mission requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic design parameters. Perform rapid engineering analysis using: Hand calculations Simplified analytical models Simulation tools CFD Design and evaluate propulsion systems including: Solid rocket motors Nozzle geometry Propellant grain geometry Pressure and burn rate behavior Thermal and structural loads Model internal ballistics and pressure dynamics in solid propellant systems. Optimize propellant core geometry to achieve target thrust profiles and burn behavior. Analyze external aerodynamics of flight vehicles across subsonic through supersonic regimes. Calculate and validate: Drag components (base, form, friction, shock) Aerodynamic coefficients Center of pressure vs center of gravity relationships Flight stability and control behavior Develop and run CFD simulations to validate design assumptions. Write code to automate analysis, simulation workflows, and performance modeling. Work closely with manufacturing, systems, and testing teams to translate designs into real hardware. Support flight tests and ground tests, diagnose performance issues, and iterate quickly. You are comfortable solving physics problems from first principles. You can move between quick hand calculations, simplified models, and high-fidelity simulations without losing intuition. You make decisions quickly and back them up with analysis. You are not waiting for perfect information to move forward. You are comfortable working on new or unconventional technology where no one has all the answers yet. You enjoy difficult problems where engineering judgment matters. You are hands-on and willing to learn across propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration. You are motivated by building real systems, not just running models.

Requirements

Deep love for America and passion for Wild West System's mission.
Self-starter, capable of performing tasks as an individual as well as working well in a team.
Servant-leader mentality, extreme ownership, willing to participate in different and rapidly changing projects in a dynamic environment. Bias for action.
ITAR REQUIREMENT: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
You are comfortable solving physics problems from first principles.
You can move between quick hand calculations, simplified models, and high-fidelity simulations without losing intuition.
You make decisions quickly and back them up with analysis.
You are not waiting for perfect information to move forward.
You are comfortable working on new or unconventional technology where no one has all the answers yet.
You enjoy difficult problems where engineering judgment matters.
You are hands-on and willing to learn across propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration.
You are motivated by building real systems, not just running models.
CFD modeling (ANSYS Fluent preferred)
Coding for engineering analysis (Python or MATLAB preferred)
CAD modeling proficiency (SolidWorks, Onshape, or equivalent)
Solid mechanical engineering fundamentals
Strong understanding of compressible flow, gas dynamics, and heat transfer
Ability to perform first-order engineering calculations quickly and accurately
Internal ballistics and solid propellant behavior
Burn rate dynamics and pressure coupling
Solid rocket motor design including: Nozzle geometry Ignition systems Insulation and materials Structural analysis
Propellant grain/core geometry optimization
Pressure vessel design and analysis
High-temperature gas flow and thermal loads
External aerodynamics of flight vehicles
Missile or projectile design
Flight mechanics and trajectory modeling
Center of pressure / center of gravity relationships
Aerodynamic coefficient modeling
Subsonic through supersonic flow regimes
Drag component analysis
Flight envelope behavior
3-5 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree OR 1-2 years of relevant experience with a Master's or PhD
Strong fundamentals
Intellectual curiosity
Ability to learn quickly
Willingness to solve hard problems

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with solid propellant formulation is a strong plus
Experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems is beneficial but not required

Responsibilities

Translate mission requirements into propulsion and aerodynamic design parameters.
Perform rapid engineering analysis using: Hand calculations Simplified analytical models Simulation tools CFD
Design and evaluate propulsion systems including: Solid rocket motors Nozzle geometry Propellant grain geometry Pressure and burn rate behavior Thermal and structural loads
Model internal ballistics and pressure dynamics in solid propellant systems.
Optimize propellant core geometry to achieve target thrust profiles and burn behavior.
Analyze external aerodynamics of flight vehicles across subsonic through supersonic regimes.
Calculate and validate: Drag components (base, form, friction, shock) Aerodynamic coefficients Center of pressure vs center of gravity relationships Flight stability and control behavior
Develop and run CFD simulations to validate design assumptions.
Write code to automate analysis, simulation workflows, and performance modeling.
Work closely with manufacturing, systems, and testing teams to translate designs into real hardware.
Support flight tests and ground tests, diagnose performance issues, and iterate quickly.