Aero-Thermal Engineer
On-siteAhmedabad, Gujarat, India
Job Summary
Conduct high-fidelity hypersonic CFD simulations to model aerodynamic heating, ablation, and material response for reentry environments. Define aero-thermal boundary conditions and load maps for structures and flight dynamics teams while supporting thermal protection system design, analysis, and validation. Develop thermal models for orbital phases and generate heating footprints for mission design, collaborating with mechanical and materials teams on TPS material selection. Guide hardware engineers to ensure components meet aerothermal requirements through design reviews and test correlation. Requires a Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with 5–10 years in hypersonic analysis and proficiency in Python, C++, or MATLAB. Catalyx is developing next-generation entry systems for space in a fast-paced, test-driven environment.
Required Qualifications
- Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Experience with high-temperature fabrics and woven composites
- 5–10 years of experience in hypersonic, supersonic, reentry, or rocketry external flow-field aerothermodynamic analysis
- Strong knowledge of high-fidelity hypersonic CFD
- Strong knowledge of thermal-chemical non-equilibrium flows
- Experience integrating ground & flight test data into aerothermal vehicle models
- Experience conducting a comprehensive CFD campaign from early design through to first flight
- Experience with conceptual, preliminary, and final design/analysis of thermal protection systems
- Proficiency in uncertainty quantification and relevant mathematical models
- Hands-on experience with arc-jet or plasma wind tunnel test correlation to CFD
- Proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages for simulation workflows
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Desired Qualifications
- Involvement in planning, leading, and/or post-processing plasma wind tunnel campaigns
- Background in designing hypersonic reentry vehicles
- Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, prototyping environment with rapid iteration
- Prior flight heritage — your work has contributed to space hardware
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
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