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Staff Aerothermal CFD Engineer Verified today

Inversion Space · Playa Vista, CA · Mechanical · first seen 2026-07-16
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Advanced Reentry Technologies

Inversion is an aerospace and defense company pioneering advanced reentry technology. The company's maneuverable reentry spacecraft, Arc, is designed for rapid global cargo delivery, hypersonic testing, and national security missions requiring precise flight through the atmosphere.

Position Overview

You will characterize the aerothermodynamic environment on and around the vehicle with an emphasis on the rarefied flow regime. You will lead the creation of high-fidelity simulations, mentor team members, and drive efforts to build confidence in vehicle models. This role defines CFD strategy for groundbreaking technology, solves novel high-speed flow challenges, and shapes the design of next-generation hypersonic systems.

You will have a background in DSMC simulation or familiarity with multi-physics plasma environments, and the drive to extend tools when the work demands it.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 9+ years of experience in hypersonic, supersonic, reentry, or rocketry external flow-field aerothermal analysis
  • Strong experience with high fidelity simulation of gas dynamics where inter-molecular forces must be considered (SPARTA, DAC, MAP, plasma simulation tools, etc.)
  • Familiarity with Fidelity Pointwise, Link3D or equivalent meshing software
  • Strong knowledge of flows in thermal-chemical non-equilibrium
  • Experience modeling mixed-regime flows such as plumes exhausting into rarefied flows
  • Experience integrating ground and flight test data into aerothermal vehicle models
  • Proficiency in uncertainty quantification and relevant mathematical models
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with prototyping and rapid iteration
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications

  • Masters or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent field
  • Experience modifying CFD solvers or coupling them for multi-physics simulations
  • Experience with high temperature gas flow solvers (US3D, DPLR and/or LAURA)
  • Experience with modeling radiative heating using radiation transport tools
  • Experience conducting a comprehensive CFD campaign from a vehicle's early stages to first flight
  • Experience with programming languages like Python, Fortran, C++, MATLAB, etc.
  • Involvement in planning, leading, and/or post-processing arc-jet tunnel campaigns

Work Location

This position requires in-office presence at Inversion's headquarters in Playa Vista, California.

Compensation

California annual base salary: $161,000 to $221,000. Pay is determined by role, level, location, market data, and individual qualifications including job-related skills, education, experience, and certifications.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.