Planetary Rotorcraft Airfoil and Rotor Optimization Engineer

Job Description:

AMA is seeking a full time Planetary Rotorcraft Airfoil and Rotor Optimization Engineer to support the Aeromechanics Office at NASA Ames in the numeric design and performance analysis of rotorcraft blades for low Reynolds number environments. Work includes application of Computational Fluid Dynamics and the Evolutionary algorithm for Iterative Studies of Aeromechanics (ELISA) tool, developed at NASA Ames, for aerodynamics rotor hover optimization for low Reynolds number flows in the Mars atmosphere. Comprehensive analytical models such as CAMRAD II will be utilized for additional rotor performance predictions. Design and analysis will consider aerodynamic performance, structural viability, and fabrication constraints. Available experimental and flight data will be correlated with analysis. Candidates may also perform CFD analysis of full rotor or vehicle concepts using OVERFLOW or similar tools.

Candidates will support work on-site at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA, on a regular basis, but some flexibility for part-time offsite work may exist. The salary for this position will be $120,000 to $145,000, commensurate with experience and education.

Responsibilities:

• Improve fundamental understanding of high-subsonic low Reynolds number conditions, and develop best practices for CFD simulations at these conditions
• Perform validation of airfoil and rotor performance simulations against experimental data using mid and high-fidelity methods (CAMRADII, OVERFLOW)
• Continue development of ELISA code and further study optimal airfoils and rotors, especially at higher rotor solidities.
• Researching new subjects in existing literature or data sources and expanding that knowledge to develop new modeling approaches and solve new problems.
• Producing high-quality publications, presentations, and reports of key studies and results
• Preparing summaries and recommendations for SMEs in other related fields
• Participating as a mentor in student training programs
• Travel, as needed, to support reviews and testing at other NASA centers (primarily JPL)

• Participating in regular (weekly) technical exchanges with collaborators

Requirements:

• Master's Degree, or equivalent, in a physical sciences, engineering, math, or computing discipline (aerospace engineering, aeronautics/astronautics, physics, astronomy, computer science, math, or similar related subjects) is required.
• Strong understanding of rotorcraft aerodynamics, including rotor performance, airfoil behavior, and low Reynolds number flows
• Proficiency in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using solvers such as OVERFLOW and CAMRAD II.
• Experience with structured curvilinear overset mesh generation using tools such as Chimera Grid Tools (CGT) or Pointwise.
• Skilled in pre- and post-processing workflows utilizing visualization and analysis software such as Tecplot or ParaView.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, with experience in algorithm development, statistical analysis, and data processing
• The selected candidate will have the aptitude to learn and take leadership in design of airfoils and rotors for these challenging environments.
• Candidates must be capable of taking lead in representing the technology and work performed among groups of senior engineers, such as the NASA Chief Engineer
• Candidates must be self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of an integrated team. Candidates should have the initiative and aptitude to independently research, learn, and expand upon new subjects to grow team knowledge and capabilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required to produce quality journal publications, conference presentations, and reports.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.