Staff Aerodynamics Engineer

Who We Are:

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse-drawn chariots, ocean-going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world.  We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth. 

What You’ll Do: 

Inversion’s lifting-body reentry platform will create a highly maneuverable, highly accurate, and low-cost vehicle that will be industry-first. The Staff Aerodynamics Engineer will be responsible for ownership of external flow-field aerothermodynamic analysis. This role will be a key contributor to Inversion's advanced aerodynamic modeling efforts, and responsible for developing, improving, and implementing cutting-edge CFD tools and workflows.  

On a day-to-day basis, the staff aerodynamics engineer will lead the creation of high-fidelity simulations, mentor team members, and act as the driving force behind our efforts to build confidence in our vehicle models. This is a unique opportunity to help define the CFD strategy for groundbreaking technology, creatively solve novel high-speed flow challenges, and play a pivotal role in the design of next-generation hypersonic systems. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience  

• Typically, a minimum of 12 years of experience in hypersonic, supersonic, reentry, or rocketry external flow-field aerodynamic analysis 

• Strong knowledge of high fidelity, hypersonic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). 

• Experience with key aspects of hypersonic system modeling such as hypersonic boundary layer, heat transfer modeling, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, chemistry modeling, turbulence, etc. 

• Proficiency in industry-standard CFD tools and software, with a track record of developing custom tools and workflows. 

• Background in designing hypersonic re-entry vehicles 

• Familiarity with Fidelity Pointwise, or equivalent meshing software for generating high-quality meshes suitable for a variety of simulations 

• Experience using programming languages like Python, C++, MATLAB, etc. 

• Experience with conceptual, preliminary, and final design/analysis of thermal protection systems  

• 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 

• This position is onsite at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent field. 

• Familiarity with NASA’s aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics tools (LAURA, FIAT, DPLR, etc.) 

• Familiarity with other high-fidelity aerothermodynamics tools, i.e. US3D 

• Proficiency with DSMC software and performing simulations in the rarefied gas regime 

• Experience conducting a comprehensive CFD campaign, from a vehicle’s early stages to the first flight 

• Involvement in planning, leading, and/or post-processing wind tunnel campaigns 

• Skilled in designing and analyzing vehicle TPS (thermal protection systems) 

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in-office presence. 

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $160,000-$210,000 Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.