Sr. R&D Engineer (Sr. Aeronautical Engineer)

General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems•Bothell, WA

2d•$109,871 - $148,649

About The Position

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is seeking a Sr. Aeronautical Engineer skilled in aerodynamic design for precision-guided projectiles. The role involves CFD analysis, trade studies, model development, wind-tunnel support, process optimization, documentation, and cross-team design validation. The position requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in the employee’s discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines. The engineer solves complex problems independently with minimal guidance, may lead projects or project steps, serves as a resource for less experienced colleagues, and consistently exercises discretion and judgment. The engineer conducts research, design, and development to create new or improved products, processes, or services; works with manufacturing partners and other specialists to optimize designs for manufacturability; applies research theories, principles, and models; and communicates research findings. The role also includes assessing project scope, schedule, and budget; developing technical documentation; and using CAD or CAE systems to model designs and produce engineering drawings. The work includes CFD-based analysis using tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, and CFD++; modeling performance across Mach regimes; physics-based analyses; aerodynamic trade studies; simulation model creation; wind-tunnel test support; workflow improvement; and parametric and optimization studies. Travel of up to 25% is likely. The work is primarily in a climate-controlled environment, with regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities and extended periods at a desk or computer.

Requirements

Associate's Degree and 5-7 years' experience.
An engineering degree is required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to remain stationary at a desk and/or computer for extended periods.
Ability to move regularly throughout GD-OTS facilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience with CFD-based aerodynamic characterization of high-velocity systems.
Wind-tunnel testing experience.
Experience developing process guidelines.
Experience creating and reviewing technical reports and calculations.
Proficiency in Matlab, Python, and Simulink.
Experience using high-performance computing (HPC).
Experience building aerodynamic databases.
Experience using PRODAS or Missile Datcom.

Responsibilities

Conduct research, design, and development activities to develop new or improved products, processes, or services.
Collaborate with internal manufacturing partners, contract manufacturers, designers, and product specialists to optimize designs for manufacturability.
Apply research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities.
Conduct market research, track projects, build spreadsheets evaluating trade space, design presentation slides, and execute business-oriented tasks.
Summarize research results and communicate findings to internal and external bodies.
Assess the scope of research projects and ensure projects are on time and within budget.
Develop technical documentation for projects.
Use CAD or CAE systems to model new designs and produce detailed engineering drawings.
Perform CFD analyses, aerodynamic trade studies, physics-based analyses, and parametric and optimization studies.
Build models to evaluate performance across Mach regimes and create models for simulations.
Support wind-tunnel tests and improve workflows.