Research Aerospace Engineer, AST, Airbreathing Propulsion Systems (Direct Hire)

About the role

As a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research aerospace engineer in the Hypersonic Airbreathing Propulsion Branch at NASA Langley Research Center, you will be working to apply computational methods and tools to numerically simulate the flow in high-speed propulsive flowpaths and around hypersonic vehicles. You will also be part of the branch's VULCAN-CFD software development team working to enhance existing capabilities, as well as incorporating new capabilities into the software. In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee. Please keep this in mind when indicating the lowest grade you will accept. If selected at the lower grade level, your scientific impact will be examined in addition to other factors, to determine if you are eligible for promotion. To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Generating high quality Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solutions and post processing the data while following best practices for ensuing solution accuracy; Examining the computed flow field to verify that the solution makes physical sense and that there is nothing that indicates a problem with the solution; Developing and/or modifying software to use in pre- and/or post-processing grids and/or CFD solutions. Post processing CFD solutions to extract and/or compute properties and/or metrics of interest OR b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR c) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a) and b) above OR d) Expect to complete the education degree requirements for this grade level by January 10, 2027. To qualify for GS-12, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Generating high quality Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solutions for high-speed flows with complex geometries, post processing the data, identifying and correcting problems or issues, and following best practices to ensure solution accuracy; Developing and/or modifying software to use in pre- and/or post-processing grids and/or CFD solutions, for computing flow conditions, and/or to improve workflow. Post processing solutions to extract and/or compute properties and/or metrics of interest; Developing and/or modifying CFD software using a compiled language (e.g. Fortran, C, and/or C++) for parallel processing OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field. OR c) Expect to complete the education degree requirement for this grade level by January 10, 2027. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods to numerically simulate flowfields, quantifying uncertainties, and optimizing aspects of a design; Discretizing the equations governing fluid flow (e.g. Euler, Navier-Stokes) and applying different solution approaches in a CFD code to solve the equations; Developing CFD software in Fortran, C, or C++ and using Message Passing Interface (MPI) software to run on GPU or CPU based compute clusters. Applying industry-standard software-development tools (e.g. git, cmake) and practices when developing software (e.g. unit testing). Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of undergraduate or graduate education only (GS

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