Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer

Inversion•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
Typically, 9+ years of experience in hypersonic, supersonic, reentry, or rocketry external flow-field aerothermodynamic analysis
Strong experience with high fidelity simulation of gas dynamics at conditions where inter-molecular forces must be considered (SPARTA, DAC, MAP, plasma simulation tools, etc.)
Familiarity with Fidelity Pointwise, Link3D or equivalent meshing software for generating high-quality meshes suitable for a variety of simulations
Strong knowledge of flows in thermal-chemical non-equilibrium
Experience modeling mixed-regime flows such as plumes exhausting into rarefied flows.
Proficiency in uncertainty quantification & relevant mathematical models
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including prototyping and rapid iteration of new products
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Masters / PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
Experience modifying CFD solvers or coupling them for multi-physics simulations
Experience with high temperature gas flow solvers (US3D, DPLR and/or LAURA)
Experience with modeling radiative heating using radiation transport tools
Experience conducting a comprehensive CFD campaign, from a vehicle’s early stages to the first flight
Experience using programming languages like Python, Fortran, C++, MATLAB, etc.
Involvement in planning, leading, and/or post-processing arc-jet tunnel campaigns

Responsibilities

Characterizing the aerothermodynamic environment on and around the vehicle with an emphasis on the rarefied flow regime.
Leading the creation of high-fidelity simulations.
Mentoring team members.
Acting as the driving force behind efforts to build confidence in vehicle models.
Defining the CFD strategy for groundbreaking technology.
Creatively solving novel high-speed flow challenges.
Playing a pivotal role in the design of next-generation hypersonic systems.
Integrating ground & flight test data into aerothermal vehicle models.