Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
L
LLNL
Aerothermal/Trajectory Analyst
Career Insights for Wind Energy Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Wind Energy Engineer engineers and designs wind energy equipment and components or designs wind energy sites. Develops site specifications and design and installation plans for wind farms.
$137,856 / year median in California
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Company DescriptionJoin us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job DescriptionWe have an opening for an Aerothermal and Trajectory Analyst in support of hypersonics and reentry systems under the Flight Performance Integration (FPI) program. Activities include modeling and simulation of hypersonic re-entry bodies, early feasibility studies, flight testing, and software development. You will develop engineering solutions for aerodynamics and aerothermal analysis in support of these programs, from systems requirements trade studies through algorithm design and hardware integration, including test data analyses. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.
Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a Hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You willProvide aerospace engineering support for the enduring and future weapons stockpile (both conventional and nuclear) assisting with aerodynamic, aerothermal/ablation, mechanical, and/or trajectory analyses; associated post-processing; and presentation/documentation of results, while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
Participate, collaborate, and contribute to the development of computational models, and provide support to teams performing analyses and research and development activities in advanced simulation capabilities that utilize state of the art computational techniques and leverage high performance supercomputers.
Utilize comprehensive engineering knowledge and defined practices and procedures to contribute to the development of models of weapon systems and assist teams with geometry and mesh creation, application of appropriate material models and properties, and evaluation of relevant flight conditions. Participate in the reporting of technical approaches and publishing activities as appropriate.
Contribute to analyses that support or guide design, testing, modification, and optimization of mechanical components and systems. Participate in formal design reviews and informal peer reviews as required. Support integration and data flow between analysis tools.
Work closely with a team of analysts, code developers, statisticians, engineers, and subject matter experts to solve problems of limited complexity, evaluating readily identifiable factors and using standard techniques and methodologies.
Contribute to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives, collaborate with team members to provide input on deliverables, and regularly communicate the status and projected delivery date to ensure quality results are provided in accordance with established deadlines.
Support programmatic deliverables with occasional travel, as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level .Utilize advanced engineering knowledge and broad technical concepts and techniques to contribute to the development of models of weapon systems through geometry and mesh creation, selection or development of appropriate material models and properties, and determination of relevant flight conditions. Collaborate with teams to prepare reports on technical approaches and publish as appropriate.
Work independently, as well as in conjunction with team members, to participate in the development and implementation of analysis workflow and quality practices, including workflow optimization, process standardization, configuration management of analysis files and software, and verification and validation and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) of models.
Contribute to program vision and strategy by providing input on technical issues, recommending improvements, new ideas, and/or modifications, and exploring a variety of approaches to support direction and decisions made by self, team, management and/or external customers.
Use independent judgment to provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity, using a variety of approaches within generally established methods.
May mentor and provide guidance to junior staff analysts.
QualificationsAbility to secure and maintain a
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, heat transfer, and ablation in reentry environments.
Comprehensive level skills and experience, and knowledge of concepts in (1) trajectory modeling software such as: GPOPS-II, OTIS, POST, TAOS, or similar, (2) hypersonic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, including pre
Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and document work.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to travel.
Additional qualifications at the SES.3Advanced knowledge of and relevant project experience analyzing flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, heat transfer, ablation in reentry environments, and Fluid-Thermal-Structural Mod/Sim.
Advanced level knowledge, skills, and experience in Bayesian VVUQ, the development of relevant principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in the identification, definition, and solution of moderately complex engineering problems.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining optimal techniques, methods, and evaluation criteria for answering engineering questions and providing input on technical issues for specific projects.
Experience participating and leading formal and informal design reviews.
Advanced organizational, verbal, and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team, interact with management, document executed work, and present and explain technical information.
Qualifications We DesirePhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: uncertainty quantification; statistics; mechanical design codes such as ProE/Creo; finite element analysis codes (i.e. ABAQUS, ANSYS, LSDYNA, etc.); Multi disciplinary design, analysis & optimization (MADO); and/or technical management or business development.
Experience in development of software in a version-controlled environment (e.g. git), including testing and documentation. Pay Range$146,340
Additional Information#LI-HybridPosition InformationThis is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf Equal Employment OpportunityWe are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable AccommodationOur goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. California Privacy NoticeThe California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job DescriptionWe have an opening for an Aerothermal and Trajectory Analyst in support of hypersonics and reentry systems under the Flight Performance Integration (FPI) program. Activities include modeling and simulation of hypersonic re-entry bodies, early feasibility studies, flight testing, and software development. You will develop engineering solutions for aerodynamics and aerothermal analysis in support of these programs, from systems requirements trade studies through algorithm design and hardware integration, including test data analyses. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.
Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a Hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You willProvide aerospace engineering support for the enduring and future weapons stockpile (both conventional and nuclear) assisting with aerodynamic, aerothermal/ablation, mechanical, and/or trajectory analyses; associated post-processing; and presentation/documentation of results, while adhering to defined practices and procedures.
Participate, collaborate, and contribute to the development of computational models, and provide support to teams performing analyses and research and development activities in advanced simulation capabilities that utilize state of the art computational techniques and leverage high performance supercomputers.
Utilize comprehensive engineering knowledge and defined practices and procedures to contribute to the development of models of weapon systems and assist teams with geometry and mesh creation, application of appropriate material models and properties, and evaluation of relevant flight conditions. Participate in the reporting of technical approaches and publishing activities as appropriate.
Contribute to analyses that support or guide design, testing, modification, and optimization of mechanical components and systems. Participate in formal design reviews and informal peer reviews as required. Support integration and data flow between analysis tools.
Work closely with a team of analysts, code developers, statisticians, engineers, and subject matter experts to solve problems of limited complexity, evaluating readily identifiable factors and using standard techniques and methodologies.
Contribute to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives, collaborate with team members to provide input on deliverables, and regularly communicate the status and projected delivery date to ensure quality results are provided in accordance with established deadlines.
Support programmatic deliverables with occasional travel, as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level .Utilize advanced engineering knowledge and broad technical concepts and techniques to contribute to the development of models of weapon systems through geometry and mesh creation, selection or development of appropriate material models and properties, and determination of relevant flight conditions. Collaborate with teams to prepare reports on technical approaches and publish as appropriate.
Work independently, as well as in conjunction with team members, to participate in the development and implementation of analysis workflow and quality practices, including workflow optimization, process standardization, configuration management of analysis files and software, and verification and validation and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) of models.
Contribute to program vision and strategy by providing input on technical issues, recommending improvements, new ideas, and/or modifications, and exploring a variety of approaches to support direction and decisions made by self, team, management and/or external customers.
Use independent judgment to provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity, using a variety of approaches within generally established methods.
May mentor and provide guidance to junior staff analysts.
QualificationsAbility to secure and maintain a
U.S. DOE
Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, heat transfer, and ablation in reentry environments.
Comprehensive level skills and experience, and knowledge of concepts in (1) trajectory modeling software such as: GPOPS-II, OTIS, POST, TAOS, or similar, (2) hypersonic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, including pre
- and post-processing utilities, such as Pointwise, Ansys, Cart3D, US3D, SPARC, Tecplot, Paraview, or similar, (3) one or more of the following aerothermal response codes: FIAT, ATAC, CMA, Aria, or similar, and (4) experience in developing and using Python code.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and document work.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to travel.
Additional qualifications at the SES.3Advanced knowledge of and relevant project experience analyzing flight dynamics, aerothermodynamics, heat transfer, ablation in reentry environments, and Fluid-Thermal-Structural Mod/Sim.
Advanced level knowledge, skills, and experience in Bayesian VVUQ, the development of relevant principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in the identification, definition, and solution of moderately complex engineering problems.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining optimal techniques, methods, and evaluation criteria for answering engineering questions and providing input on technical issues for specific projects.
Experience participating and leading formal and informal design reviews.
Advanced organizational, verbal, and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team, interact with management, document executed work, and present and explain technical information.
Qualifications We DesirePhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: uncertainty quantification; statistics; mechanical design codes such as ProE/Creo; finite element analysis codes (i.e. ABAQUS, ANSYS, LSDYNA, etc.); Multi disciplinary design, analysis & optimization (MADO); and/or technical management or business development.
Experience in development of software in a version-controlled environment (e.g. git), including testing and documentation. Pay Range$146,340
- $222,564 Annually$146,340
- $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level$175,530
- $222,564 Annually for the SES.
Additional Information#LI-HybridPosition InformationThis is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (
- depending on project needs)Our values
- visit https://www.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf Equal Employment OpportunityWe are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable AccommodationOur goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. California Privacy NoticeThe California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.