Senior Mechanical Engineer, Re-Entry Aerodynamics

Pioneering multi-ton Earth return for the growing space economy and for enabling point to point delivery around the globe.

Pioneering multi-ton Earth return for the growing space economy and for enabling point to point delivery around the globe. 

Outpost is at the forefront of space logistics, developing innovative Earth return vehicles that enable safe and efficient payload recovery from space to Earth. By accelerating the transition of industries into orbit, we open new possibilities for space-based manufacturing and global logistics. Our flagship project, the Ferryall spacecraft, is supported by the U.S. Government, with four missions supported over the next four years. We're also developing the Carryall vehicle, designed to return up to 10 tons from space, significantly expanding the scope of what's possible for space-based operations. Founded in 2021 by industry veteran Jason Dunn, and based in Santa Monica, California, our team is committed to advancing space technology and making space accessible to all.

The Team

As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will be responsible for predicting the aerodynamic and aerothermal conditions that Outpost’s Ferryall and Carryall reusable satellites, along with their heat shields, will face throughout their missions. You will utilize engineering models, simulations, and testing to deliver accurate predictions before flight validation. The team collaborates closely with the GNC (guidance, navigation, and control) team to ensure the safe landing and recovery of the satellites. They also provide support to engineers working on satellite structures during the design process.

Qualifications: 

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic CFD analysis for flight regimes including subsonic and hypersonic.
• Skilled in using tools and techniques, including HPC, for aerodynamic analysis and experimentation.
• Experience validating simulation results with data and determining confidence intervals and uncertainties for CFD derived ADB.
• Proficient in developing models based on first-principles. 
• Experience in fluid dynamics, including subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and rarefied flow conditions.
• Experienced in gridding, running, and postprocessing compressible CFD models.
• Experienced with both high and low fidelity CFD software such as NASA Fun3D, DPLR, Laura, CBAero or similar tools.
• Proficiency in CFD postprocessing in software such as ParaView, Tecplot,  or similar.
• Highly self-driven, flexible, and capable of making a substantial impact in a dynamic, fast-paced program environment.
• Confident in supporting design decisions in one or more of the following areas: GNC, Operations, Structures, or Thermal.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and enhance the aerodynamic database for Outpost's vehicles.
• Responsible for vehicle stability assessments and determination for flight.
• Work collaboratively with design, development, and testing teams across the organization
• Define aerodynamic OML for optimized trajectory and aerothermal analysis
• Develop aerodynamic design solutions to address re-entry vehicle challenges.
• Set up, grid, run, and post process computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models.
• Compute pressure, heat flux, and aero buffet/vibration loads for the thermal and structures teams.
• Recommend and run test campaigns with post processing data for model correlation.
• Lead the analysis of post-flight data and correlate it to pre-flight predictions.
• Oversee all external and internal flow field simulations.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $140,000 - $180,000, based on experience
• Equity
• Annual Performance-Based Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401K with company match
• Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Outpost Space we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Please click here to Apply.