Aerothermal Engineer

About Canopy Aerospace & DefenseCanopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.Role Overview: In this role on the Canopy engineering team, you will join the aerothermal team and working with external customers to refine TPS requirements through modeling and simulation. You will work closely with both the TPS design and manufacturing teams to develop effective TPS solutions for Canopy's customers with platforms across space and hypersonics. You will join a small core team with combined experience managing nuclear weapons systems, starting companies, creating new materials, and flying things to space. To be successful in this role, you must be self-motivated, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead your own projects to completion.Key ResponsibilitiesEngage with external customers to complete trade studies considering aerothermal environment and TPS material responseAssess ablation and heat transfer for TPS stackups at different levels of fidelityCreate, mesh, run, and post process computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelsResponsible for all external and internal flow field simulationsCalculate pressure, heat flux, and aero buffet/vibration loads for thermal and structures teamsParticipate in the research and development process for new reentry vehiclesCollaborate cross functionally with design, development, and test groupsDevelop test plans for experimental test campaigns to validate simulation resultsLead the review of post-flight data and compare the data to pre-flight estimatesContribute to the development of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic growth objectivesRequired QualificationsDemonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutionsExcellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communicationStrong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials science, and thermodynamicsExperience of the entire program lifecycle of a spacecraft, from initial concept to mission successUndergraduate degree in a relevant technical field with 2+ years of experience performing vehicle-level CFD, preferably applied to launch vehicles and/or reentry systemsDirect experience with thermal analysis and heat transfer simulationsExperience with thermal protection system sizing & analysis using standard tools like FIAT, CHAR, CBAero, TPSSizer, MINIVER, and/or LAURAFamiliarity with Python and industry-standard CFD tools like FUN3D, Star-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, or other equivalent applicable toolsPreferred QualificationsExposure to aerothermal wind tunnel and flight testing and instrumentationFamiliarity with typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g. heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings, etc.)Program management leadership experienceExperience performing detailed thermal analysis in programs such as ANSYS static and transient thermal (or equivalent).Understanding of TPS manufacturing and integration principles, especially as they related to design for manufacturability/assemblyAbility to contribute to engineering proposals, driving the conceptualization, trade studies, and technical writing for advanced TPS designs and materials.Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis, and testing of defense articles or launch vehiclesActive U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense-related information and facilitiesAdditional RequirementsMust have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking EnglishAbility to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variationsAbility to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstationFrequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse useAbility to view computer screens for prolonged periodsAbility to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via emailAbilityto use a computer to complete assignmentsAbility to work extended hours and weekends as necessaryAbility to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearanceThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed. Job DetailsType: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)Salary range: $90,000 to $140,000Reports to: President, Canopy TechnologiesBase Location: Littleton, CO onsite M-F or Irvine, CA onsite M-FTravel: