Modeling and Simulation Engineer

CFD Research's Aerospace Data Sciences group is currently leading the development of a software called Sage. Sage's primary purpose is to train fast-running, machine learning-based surrogate models which approximate physics-based processes. Within the Aerospace Data Science group, the Applied Surrogate Modeling team is looking for an engineer to perform physics-based simulations to predict the performance a diverse set of systems relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD), including aerospace, ground, and naval systems. The engineer is expected to be comfortable setting up and simulating multi-physics interactions for a wide variety of problems. Automation of these modeling and simulation (M&S) workflows is also a priority.
The Applied Surrogate Modeling team is a small group of multi-disciplinary engineers that focuses on the development and deployment of fast-running, data-driven surrogate models for mission-specific applications. Our team is responsible for:
1. Generating DoD system performance data using physics-based tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element methods (FEM)
2. Training surrogate models to approximate these physics-based processes
3. Deploying these surrogate models into systems that require high inference rates (1+ kHz)
Primary responsibilities
• Perform physics-based simulations to support surrogate model generation. A wide range of solvers and physics is expected to be encountered. For example: fluid flow (compressible and incompressible) using CFD, heat conduction and material deformation (elastic and plastic) using FEM, and their respective couplings such as fluid-structure (FSI), fluid-thermal (FTI), and fluid-thermal-structure interaction (FTSI).
• Running simulations using both commercial GUI-based solvers and command-line interface (CLI) solvers
• Automation of modeling and simulation workflows using Python for high-throughput data generation
• Running simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) systems
• Interfacing with surrogate modeling engineers

Basic Qualifications:

• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and meet eligibility to obtain/maintain a SECRET Clearance
• Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science
• Proficiency with Python and Linux-based operating systems
• Experience running simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) systems
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element methods (FEM)
• Experience generating computational grids for finite volume and finite element solvers

Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience with high-throughput, physics-based data generation
• Experience with solvers such as STAR-CCM+, Kestrel, LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, and TAITherm
• Experience with mesh generation software such as Pointwise, Cubit, and CREATE Capstone
• Experience using CAD/geometry creation tools
• Active SECRET clearance

Location: This role is based in the Huntsville, AL area, and is 100% onsite.

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. We offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories