Modeling & Test Engineer, Re-Entry Vehicle (Ph.D. Entry Level)

True Anomaly is a company focused on enhancing space security and sustainability through innovative technology. They are seeking a Re-Entry Vehicle Modeling & Test Engineer to support modeling and simulation efforts for re-entry vehicle ground tests, contributing to aerothermal, thermal, and structural analyses under hypersonic conditions.

Responsibilities

• True Anomaly is seeking a Re-Entry Vehicle Modeling & Test Engineer to support modeling and simulation efforts for re-entry vehicle ground tests, contributing to aerothermal, thermal, and structural analyses under hypersonic conditions
• The engineer will assist in the planning and execution of ground test campaigns at facilities such as wind tunnels, arc jets, and other high-enthalpy environments, working under the guidance of senior engineers and test leadership
• Responsibilities include developing and applying physics-based models to inform test design and predict test outcomes, as well as providing support during test execution through data monitoring and preliminary assessments
• Following test activities, the engineer will perform data reduction, analysis, and correlation to compare experimental results with analytical and numerical predictions
• The role also includes contributing to the design and analysis of re-entry vehicle systems, including aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and materials behavior in hypersonic environments
• Throughout these activities, the engineer will document methodologies, results, and findings in clear technical reports and presentations and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across test, design, and systems engineering

Skills

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a research focus in hypersonics, high-speed aerodynamics, or re-entry physics
• Strong foundation in hypersonic flow physics, aerothermal heating, and heat transfer
• Hands-on experience (academic or research-based) with modeling and simulation tools for fluid, thermal, or structural analysis
• Experience analyzing and interpreting experimental or test data, including uncertainty assessment and model validation
• Familiarity with ground test methods relevant to hypersonic or re-entry environments (e.g., wind tunnels, arc jets, plasma facilities)
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly in written reports and oral presentations
• Dissertation or research experience involving hypersonic ground testing or test-to-model correlation
• Experience with CFD, thermal analysis, or multiphysics simulation tools commonly used in hypersonics research
• Exposure to thermal protection materials or structures for re-entry vehicles
• Experience working in team-based research environments with experimental and computational components
• Interest in transitioning academic research into applied aerospace programs

Benefits

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

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