NIAR CONSULTANT - Thermal Analysis Engineer

NIAR CONSULTANT - Thermal Analysis Engineer498921AviationTemporaryAdd to favorites View favoritesDepartmentNIAR Engineering Design and Modification TeamLocationWichita, KS-WSU McConnellJob Description:Since its inception in 1985, National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has made a name for itself as the most capable university-based aviation research center in the United States, providing research, design, testing, certification and training to the aviation manufacturing industry, government agencies, educational entities and other clients that can benefit from our services. NIAR is looking for a talented Thermal Analysis Engineer to join our growing, innovative computational aerodynamics team. This position will be an independent contractor consulting as a Thermal Analysis Engineer to support various diverse customer program efforts.Essential Functions:The individual in this position will contribute professionally to a variety of challenging applications of Thermal Analysis to assist the NIAR team in creating real world aircraft design efforts, while ensuring the overall goals of the customer-specific programs are achieved. The individual will:Perform Thermal design and analysis of manned/unmanned air vehicles at conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design maturitiesDefine thermal system architectures and material selection strategies for vehicles operating in demanding flight environmentsThermal analysis of flight vehicles using CFD, FEA, and engineering methodsMaterial response modeling under combined thermal and mechanical loadsTransient thermal analysis for time-varying mission profilesGround test planning, execution, and analysis in specialized thermal test facilitiesFlight test planning, execution, and post-flight thermal data analysisUse first principles and MATLAB/Python models to inform design decisionsCollaborate with aerodynamics, structures, electrical, and systems engineers on integrated solutionsValidate simulation results against other computational approaches, experimental data, and flight test measurements.Document analysis methodologies, simulation parameters, and results in technical reports and presentations.Support the development and implementation of best practices for simulation workflows.Contribute to code verification and validation activities to ensure simulation accuracy and reliability.Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field; or 5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field.In-depth understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and high-temperature environments5+ years of experience in aerospace thermal engineering on aircraft, engine, or missile programsExperience with thermal-structural couplingGround testing experience with thermal instrumentation and data acquisitionStrong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar for tool developmentExperience preparing formal documentationExcellent problem-solving and analytical capabilitiesStrong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.Proven track record of technical documentation and reporting.Preferred QualificationsExperience with thermal analysis using Thermal Desktop or ThermoAnalyticsProficiency with CFD code and automated grid refinement.Experience with hypersonic flow physics, including:High-temperature gas effectsChemical non-equilibriumRadiation heat transferAblation modelingKnowledge of uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis techniques.Experience with automated workflow development and parametric studies.Experience with multi-body and overset mesh generation and CFD.CAD experience with 3D Experience, CATIA, or Siemens NXExperience using CFD (STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent) and/or FEA thermal solversPublications in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.All services will be provided as an independent contractor, pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement, which must be executed prior to being assigned any work.