Hypersonic Research Scientist

HY-SET LLC

Arlington, TX Job Details Full-time $85,000 - $130,000 a year 2 hours ago Qualifications Fluid dynamics Computational research Content creation for technical audiences Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Conference papers High-performance computing clusters Presentations for conferences or internal meetings Aerospace research and development projects Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Computational modeling Scientific research papers Doctorate in mechanical engineering Algorithms Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. in aerospace engineering Aerodynamics Geometry Engineering research Physics Software development Participating in conferences Linux Technical writing experience within technology Scientific reports Full Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY HY-SET LLC

is seeking a Research Scientist to advance the state of the art in hypersonic aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and/or theoretical modeling, with particular interest in candidates whose research spans aeroacoustics, high-speed propulsion, and boundary-layer stability and transition. The successful candidate will perform and lead applied research supporting advanced hypersonic systems, propulsion concepts, and ground test programs. The role combines fundamental fluid-mechanics research with high-fidelity modeling, simulation, validation, and technical leadership for challenging problems in compressible and high-enthalpy flow. The role will have aspects of applying theory, developing and utilizing computational models of all fidelity levels, and hands-on hypersonic ground testing experimental platform design and operation. This position is intended for a scientist who can independently formulate research questions, develop credible computational approaches, interpret complex flow physics, handle on-site experimental work, and communicate defensible technical conclusions to multidisciplinary teams, program leadership, customers, and research sponsors. The position may support U.S. Government programs and may involve export-controlled, proprietary, or classified work.

ABOUT THE COMPANY HY-SET LLC

is an aerospace engineering firm based in Arlington, TX. HY-SET specializes in providing unique hypersonic solutions to best fit customer needs. HY-SET commercially operates an arc-heated wind tunnel facility and develops unique hypersonic ground testing facility for the hypersonics community. Additionally, HY-SET has expertise in classical and advanced laser-based instrumentation of ground test facilities, advanced hypersonic cooling strategies, and hypersonic air-breathing and rocket propulsion.

PRIMARY TECHNICAL EMPHASIS

Hypersonic aerodynamics; High-fidelity CFD; Compressible turbulence; Boundary-layer transition; Aeroacoustics Scramjet/rocket propulsion integration; Shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction; Aerothermodynamics; Numerical methods; Model validation and uncertainty assessment; Hypersonic experimental platform design and operation

LIST OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND/OR DESIRED SKILL SETS

Conduct advanced computational research in hypersonic and high-speed aerodynamics, including viscous and inviscid flow phenomena, shock interactions, separated flows, heating, wake/plume interactions, and high-enthalpy and reacting flow modeling and analysis. Develop, apply, and assess high-fidelity CFD methodologies for compressible flows such as using Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS), large-eddy simulation (LES), detached-eddy/hybrid approaches, or, where appropriate, direct numerical simulation (DNS) or reduced-order methods. Investigate boundary-layer receptivity, stability, transition, and turbulence in high-speed flows, including the effects of surface roughness, geometry discontinuities, pressure gradients, shock interactions, wall temperature, real-gas effects, and freestream disturbances. Perform or support aeroacoustic analysis of high-speed external and internal flows, including continuous broadband and discrete tonal source mechanisms, acoustic propagation, jet/plume noise, shock-associated noise, and fluid-acoustic coupling. Analyze propulsion-related flow physics for ramjet, scramjet, rocket, rotating-detonation engine, combined-cycle, or other advanced propulsion concepts, including inlet/isolator behavior, combustor interactions, and nozzle/plume flows. Plan computational campaigns, establish meshing and numerical-resolution requirements, perform grid/time-step convergence assessments, and define verification and validation strategies appropriate to the research objective. Correlate computational predictions with wind-tunnel, propulsion-rig, ground-test, or flight-test data; identify model-form limitations and recommend targeted experiments or diagnostics to resolve uncertainty. Develop or extend physics-based models, numerical algorithms, scripts, and analysis workflows that improve predictive capability, repeatability, and research productivity. Use high-performance computing (HPC) resources effectively, including parallel workflows, job scheduling, large-data management, post-processing, and computational performance optimization. Document methods and results in technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, design reviews, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Contribute to research strategy, proposal development, white papers, statements of work, technical volumes, program reviews, and customer engagements for government- and industry-sponsored R D. Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers, interns, or project team members and help establish rigorous modeling and research practices. Experimental test facility design, set-up, and operation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical discipline; a master's degree with substantial directly relevant research and professional experience may be considered. Demonstrated expertise in compressible fluid dynamics and hypersonic or high-speed aerodynamics. Substantial experience applying CFD and/or theoretical modeling to complex aerospace flows, moving boundary conditions, including geometry preparation, mesh generation, solver setup, numerical-method selection, convergence assessment, post-processing, and interpretation of results. Strong understanding of the governing physics of viscous, turbulent, and shock-dominated flows and the limitations of commonly used turbulence and transition models. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent technical research, identify the governing physics of a problem, and develop a defensible analysis approach. Proficiency with at least one scientific programming or scripting language such as Python, C/C++, Fortran, or MATLAB, together with experience working in Linux-based technical computing environments. Experience using modern computational infrastructure, including HPC clusters and parallel computing workflows. Strong technical writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex results to both subject-matter experts and multidisciplinary program teams. Record of technical accomplishment demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, technical reports, patents, software development, or equivalent research contributions. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary research and program teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Specialized experience in aeroacoustics, including computational aeroacoustics (CAA), acoustic analogies, near-field/far-field prediction, spectral analysis, wave propagation, or experimental/computational noise-source characterization. Research experience in hypersonic boundary-layer stability and transition, including linear/parabolized stability methods, receptivity, second-mode/Mack-mode physics, crossflow or Görtler-type instabilities, transition prediction, or high-fidelity transitional-flow simulation. Experience with high-speed propulsion systems, including scramjets, ramjets, rocket propulsion, combined-cycle systems, inlets/isolators, combustors, nozzles, or plumes. Experience with high-temperature, chemically reacting, nonequilibrium, rarefied, or high-enthalpy flows; aerothermodynamics and aeroheating experience is also desirable. Experience with one or more widely used research or production CFD environments (commercial, open-source, government, or internally developed) and the ability to evaluate tools based on governing equations, numerics, and model fidelity rather than software familiarity alone. Experience with advanced meshing approaches, adaptive mesh refinement, overset grids, high-order methods, wall-resolved/wall-modeled LES, or other techniques relevant to predictive high-speed CFD. Experience planning or supporting wind-tunnel, shock-tunnel, expansion-tunnel, arc-jet, propulsion, or flight experiments, including pre-test predictions and post-test data correlation. Familiarity with uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, surrogate/reduced-order modeling, Bayesian inference, data assimilation, or data-driven methods applied to fluid mechanics. Experience leading technical tasks or work packages, mentoring researchers, developing new research capabilities, or serving as a principal investigator/co-investigator. Demonstrated success preparing competitive research proposals for U.S. Government agencies, industry sponsors, or university research programs.

RESEARCH & TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The Research Scientist will be expected to operate beyond routine analysis execution. Successful performance includes identifying technically consequential gaps, selecting appropriate levels of model fidelity, defining verification and validation evidence, and translating research results into usable engineering insight. Depending on experience, the individual may serve as a technical lead or principal investigator for sponsored research and may help shape future capabilities in hypersonics, aeroacoustics, transition prediction, and propulsion-integrated aerodynamics.

REPRESENTATIVE TECHNICAL AREAS

Hypersonic Aerodynamics :

Shock-wave interactions; viscous/inviscid coupling; separated and reattaching flows; wakes; control surfaces; vehicle configuration aerodynamics; high-temperature effects.

CFD & Numerical Methods :

RANS/URANS, LES, hybrid

RANS-LES, DNS

where practical, high-order methods, mesh adaptation, solver verification, grid convergence, HPC workflows, and model validation. Reduced-order model development based on governing physics.

Boundary-Layer Transition :

Receptivity, modal/nonmodal growth, second-mode instability, roughness effects, shock-induced transition, transition modeling, and stability-based prediction.

Aeroacoustics :

Flow-generated noise, shock-associated noise, jet/plume acoustics, high-speed acoustic propagation, spectral analysis, source identification, and CAA methodologies.

Propulsion Integration :

Ramjet/scramjet/rocket flowpaths, inlet/isolator/combustor/nozzle coupling, plume interactions, and performance-related flow physics.

SECURITY, CITIZENSHIP & EXPORT-CONTROL ELIGIBILITY

This position may support contracts or research programs subject to U.S. export-control regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), or U.S. Government security requirements. U.S. citizenship is required and depending on assigned programs, the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance may be required. Final eligibility requirements will be identified for the specific requisition and work assignment.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Full-time, exempt research position.

Primary work location:

Arlington, TX. On-site presence required for proprietary work, laboratory activities, secure computing, or customer/program interactions. Limited travel may be required to customer sites, government laboratories, test facilities, technical reviews, and professional conferences. The position may involve periods of computer-intensive work and access to laboratory, wind-tunnel, propulsion, or test environments in accordance with site-specific safety requirements.

COMPENSATION

Anticipated salary range: $85,000 - $130,000 per year. Final compensation will be based on qualifications, experience, and scope of responsibility.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Curriculum vitae or résumé. Brief cover letter describing relevant research expertise and interest in the position. Publication list or selected technical publications, if applicable. Optional research statement (1-2 pages) describing current expertise. Names and contact information for professional references may be requested later in the selection process.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY HY-SET LLC

is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process.

Pay:

$85,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person