Computational Rocket Propulsion Physicist

Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions from 12 Dec 2023 to 5 Feb 2024.

The AFRL Combustion Devices Branch (RQRC) within the Rocket Propulsion Division, Aerospace Systems Directorate, seeks to fill a mid-level position at DR-02 or DR-03 levels (depending on qualifications and experience) as Computational Rocket Propulsion Physicist. The position is located at Leuhman Ridge, Edwards AFB, CA.

For more than 60 years, the AFRL’s Rocket Propulsion Division test site at Edwards AFB has contributed to several technology developments in rocket engines, including those of Saturn, Titan, Space Shuttle, and all major intercontinental ballistic missiles and current space launchers. Today, the site continues to enable technology leaps in hypersonics, solid rocket boosters, in-space propulsion, and liquid rockets for defense and commercial space access in support for the Air & Space Forces. 

The RQRC branch in AFRL’s Rocket Propulsion Division supports fundamental and applied combustion science & technology for the Air & Space Forces. Our work ranges from massively parallel numerical simulations and machine learning/data assimilation of complex chemically reacting turbulent flows in rocket engines, to additive manufacturing of next-generation space propulsion systems and experimental reacting-flow testing in facilities unique in the nation. We are also heavy users of the Department of Defense’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources. 

We are searching for a high-performing, highly-motivated individual with a scientific research background on computational physics of reacting flows to become a new member of the Combustion Devices Branch. In this role, you will apply your skills to solve complex scientific problems that will advance our nation’s Rocket Power of Tomorrow.

Position duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Perform cutting edge, massively parallel numerical simulations of multidisciplinary flow physics in applied engineering systems involving multiphase flows, turbulence, detonations, plasmas, supercritical/transcritical pressures, shock waves, high enthalpies, complex hydrocarbon fuel/oxidizer combustion kinetics, conjugate heat transfer, wall roughness, solid-phase reactions, radiative heat transfer, aerothermochemistry, and flow/structure interactions.
• Develop and maintain large-scale, custom-made, non-commercial HPC simulation codes designed for scientific discovery.    
• Analyze and interpret large amounts of simulation data to inform the design of rocket engines and flight vehicles.  
• Lead Digital Engineering efforts to develop digital twins of full systems and create novel data-sharing and data-exploitation frameworks. 
• Work closely with our in-house experimental test group and inform test campaigns based on simulation results.  
• Interface with external research organizations, including academia, government agencies, and industry partners.  

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computational Mathematics, or Computer Science from an accredited academic institution. Candidates who are close to graduation from their PhD programs will also be considered.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Hands-on scientific research experience using High-Performance Computing (HPC) for fluid mechanics problems of relevance for rocket propulsion
• Strong fundamental knowledge on turbulent combustion, high-speed flows, physical gasdynamics, thermodynamics, and low-dissipation numerical methods for compressible flows.
• Experience with developing and maintaining research simulation codes in C++, Fortran, and Python.
• Demonstrated experience with code development, simulation data analysis, scientific rigor, physical interpretation, and communication of results to technical audiences via referred journal papers and technical seminars.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring level 1-Foundational, Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management. The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Government applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume. 
• Must be able to travel <10% of the time. 

Desired Qualifications

• Strong knowledge on current trends in computational physics, including emerging computer science paradigms accounting for two or more of the following: uncertainty quantification, multi-fidelity frameworks for ensemble simulations, on-the-fly training of reduced-order models, data compression, rapid generation of high-quality grids, moving grids, load balancing for multi-phase flows, numerical methods for high-speed multi-phase flows, numerical methods for stiff fluid/solid coupled problems involving conjugate heat transfer or material erosion, GPU/CPU heterogeneous computing, and subgrid-scale modeling for multi-physics turbulent flows.   
• Familiarity with practical aspects of rocket-powered flight systems, including flight mechanics and full-system engineering requirements.  
• Genuine interest in working with other team members to solve multi-disciplinary applied engineering problems and advance the mission of the Air & Space Forces. 

Series

0861