Propulsion/Aerodynamics Engineer

Wild West Systems Inc. • Leander, TX

1d

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.

Requirements

• Comfortable solving physics problems from first principles.
• Ability to move between quick hand calculations, simplified models, and high-fidelity simulations without losing intuition.
• Make decisions quickly and back them up with analysis.
• Comfortable working on new or unconventional technology where no one has all the answers yet.
• Enjoy difficult problems where engineering judgment matters.
• Hands-on and willing to learn across propulsion, aerodynamics, and system integration.
• 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
• Experience translating performance requirements into engineering design constraints
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level