Senior Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineer

MTSI is seeking a highly skilled Senior Aerospace Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Engineer with deep experience in hypersonics, aerothermodynamics, propulsion, and high-fidelity physics-based simulations. The ideal candidate has proven technical leadership experience, thrives in complex analysis environments, and can manage and execute medium- to large-scale technical tasks with limited oversight.

You will support aerospace research and engineering efforts across aerothermodynamics, high-speed propulsion, interceptor lethality, mission engineering, and advanced CFD-based studies. You will routinely interface with government customers, contribute to proposal efforts, and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Role & Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Lead multiphysics M&S efforts including hypersonic flowfields, scramjet/ramjet propulsion, IR signature analysis, interceptor lethality, and aerothermal phenomena.
• Translate guidance from Program Managers or government technical leads into actionable engineering tasks and workflows.
• Manage and execute medium-large technical projects, ensuring efficient task coordination with available resources.
• Serve as technical lead for time-critical, high-visibility engineering tasks.
• Engage and support MTSI internal Senior Leaders, Technical Fellows/Directors, and Engineering Analysis team lead with technical expertise and business development.

Modeling & Simulation

• Develop, execute, and analyze high-fidelity CFD, combustion, and aerothermal simulations using GOTS, COTS, and privately developed tools such as US3D, STAR-CCM+, Cantera, Pointwise, Kestrel, Fluent, ParaView, VisIt, or similar.
• Optics performance modeling, seeker/sensor performance evaluation, Zmax experience preferred.
• GNC modeling experience preferred.
• Apply advanced chemical kinetics, plasma physics, and high-speed propulsion modeling expertise to complex aerospace problems.
• Conduct operations analysis and mission engineering studies using tools such as AFSIM.
• Conduct campaign analysis studies using tools such as CFAM or STORM.

Customer Engagement & Communication

• Routinely engage with government technical representatives, teammates, and subcontractors.
• Clearly explain results, analysis methodologies, and technical approaches in both formal and informal settings.
• Serve as technical volume lead for proposals; assist with Pink/Red team reviews.

Organizational Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to Communities of Practice.
• Support or lead internal innovation projects and cross-functional technical initiatives.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and technical sessions as a presenter or chair.

Required Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in aerothermodynamics, hypersonics, combustion physics, high-speed propulsion, and CFD model development. (add GNC)
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++, Bash, Java) and familiarity with modern M&S toolchains.
• Ability to independently break down complex problems, develop technical approaches, and assign tasks to others based on strengths.
• Strong technical writing, customer briefing, and communication skills.
• Experience leading or supporting business development activities.

Qualifications

• MS in Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in defense industry roles.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (highly preferred).
• Ability to work independently with guidance required only for the most complex situations.

Physical Requirements

• On-site at Alexandria, VA. Possibility of working remotely 1-2 days/week depending on contract work.

#LI-AC1

#LI-Onsite