Thermodynamics Engineer 3

ULA • Denver, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

United Launch Alliance is seeking a proactive, effective, innovative and experienced Thermodynamics Engineer RS-3 to join our team in Centennial, Colorado. The successful candidate will be a key member of a world-class and passionate team designing and analyzing ULA's Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicle systems and will also support the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), which is an integral part of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). This position will be performing Thermal engineering analyses and includes the following responsibilities:
Develop approaches, methodologies and tools to solve complex system problems using analytical modeling, empirical, and semi-empirical approaches.
Performs conceptual and detailed thermal analysis for the launch vehicle booster, upper stage and launch facility at both the detailed component level and at the systems level.
Analyses include pre-launch, ascent, and on-orbit phases of flight to verify rocket designs will operate within prescribed temperature limitations, and to define thermal protection systems were needed.
Possses the ability to perform these analyses independently and will mentor other engineers in these type of analyses.
Defines, monitors, and controls requirements as they relate to design, development and operation of complex launch systems.
Develops procedures and plans for thermal test programs when existing analytical capabilities are insufficient.
Resolves thermal issues that arise due to operational use in the field during production and launch operations.
Develops analysis process improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve vehicle performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of 4 years' experience in thermal modeling and related analysis tools, designing aerospace thermal control systems, and supporting thermal testing.
• Familiarity with spacecraft or upper stage pre-launch, ascent, and on-orbit thermal analysis and thermal design.
• Proficient in performing thermal analyses utilizing Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT and SpaceClaim tools.
• Ability to sanity check analysis results by performing heat transfer hand calculations and energy balances.
• Must have ability to solve difficult problems by applying basic engineering/scientific principles and concepts.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Tools, CAD tools such as AutoCAD, and MATLAB.
• Must have interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• The ability to work with minimum supervision and solve complex problems independently by applying engineering principles and concepts.
• Proactive to help drive intelligent designs, and collaborates well in a design and analysis team environment.
• Ability to learn thermal analysis software tools quickly is necessary.
• Direct aerospace spacecraft or upper stage thermal analysis experience will set you apart from other candidates.
• Familiarity with spacecraft and/or launch vehicle structure (both cryogenic and non-cryogenic), avionics hardware, pressurization systems, feedline systems, propellant systems (both cryogenic and non-cryogenic) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop approaches, methodologies and tools to solve complex system problems using analytical modeling, empirical, and semi-empirical approaches.
• Performs conceptual and detailed thermal analysis for the launch vehicle booster, upper stage and launch facility at both the detailed component level and at the systems level.
• Analyses include pre-launch, ascent, and on-orbit phases of flight to verify rocket designs will operate within prescribed temperature limitations, and to define thermal protection systems were needed.
• Possses the ability to perform these analyses independently and will mentor other engineers in these type of analyses.
• Defines, monitors, and controls requirements as they relate to design, development and operation of complex launch systems.
• Develops procedures and plans for thermal test programs when existing analytical capabilities are insufficient.
• Resolves thermal issues that arise due to operational use in the field during production and launch operations.
• Develops analysis process improvements that reduce cost and risk and/or improve vehicle performance.

Benefits

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments
• 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)

What This Job Offers

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