What are the responsibilities and job description for the Propulsion Engineer II - (Modeling and Simulation) position at Specter Aerospace?
Propulsion Engineer II – Modeling and Simulation
Job Summary:
Specter Aerospace is seeking a Propulsion Engineer focused on reduced order modeling and optimization of advanced propulsion systems and hypersonic vehicles. A successful candidate will have experience in developing reduced order models from first principles, use of commercial fluid and mechanical simulation tools, and numerical methods. They will have the opportunity to develop the tools to guide the development of next-generation airbreathing propulsion systems and vehicles.
About Specter Aerospace:
Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.
Role & Responsibilities:
- Be the Responsible Engineer of a proprietary multiphysics modeling and optimization toolset for conceptual and preliminary design of hypersonic systems. Gas dynamics, combustion, heat transfer, and mechanical models will be included.
- Research and implement efficient numerical methods as needed to maintain short runtime
- Develop methods to connect propulsion test data to model performance in a robust, semi-automated manner
- Create documentation that allows engineers to independently use the modeling and optimization framework
- Help develop propulsion test matrix to efficiently gain performance information to inform model
- Provide the architecture for other engineers to develop needed model subcomponents
- Conduct detailed design and analysis of scramjet and ramjet engine components as required
- Take part in technical meetings, engage in technical discussions, and contribute perspectives
- Other duties as assigned by the company
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- 2 years of relevant full time experience OR Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Experience with numerical methods and reduced order model design
- Previous propulsion experience (design or test)
- Strong understanding of compressible flow, combustion, and mechanical design
- Familiarity with relevant programming languages such as Python, C , and Matlab
- Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments
- Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work
- Available for up to 10% travel for test activities
- Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
Desired Skills:
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or similar
- CAD Experience (Solidworks)
- CFD and FEA experience with relevant tools (StarCCM, CFD , Vulcan, Simsolid, NASTRAN)
- Relevant reduced-order model building experience
- Intuition for propulsion system performance, manufacturable geometries, and flow behaviour
- Previous Design of Experiments experience
- Previous professional OR student team (FSAE, SEDS, AIAA, etc) project experience directly relevant to the requirements for this position
*All new employees must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
