Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer

About this Role

Varda is seeking an Senior Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer to support operation of Varda's current vehicles and the development of Varda's next reentry vehicle – from rarefied entry, to hypersonic maneuvering, and subsonic terminal approach. The candidate must have experience running high speed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and supporting wind tunnel campaigns. Exposure to 6DOF flight dynamics modeling, and experience developing flight rules is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate should have been involved in the aerodynamic development of a currently flying vehicle from cradle to grave.

Responsibilities

Own the aerodynamic and aeroheating database development across the full flight envelope, from free-molecular rarefied entry through hypersonic maneuvering to subsonic terminal approach, serving as the authoritative aeroscience input to GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis

Plan, execute, and reduce data from wind tunnel campaigns; reconcile ground test results with CFD predictions and update vehicle databases with traceable, well-documented revisions

Run high-fidelity CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows using tools such as Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, and CBAero; build structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise

Characterize static and dynamic stability, develop 6DOF simulation inputs, and contribute to flight rules and vehicle-level performance models

Synthesize aerodynamic evidence from CFD, wind tunnel, and flight telemetry into a coherent, traceable database that supports GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis

Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and performance assessments; identify where preflight predictions diverged from reality and drive model updates that make the next mission sharper

Collaborate across disciplines: GNC, structures, TPS, and mission planning, to deliver flight-ready aeroscience products and serve as the aerodynamics voice in every cross-discipline design discussion

Basic Qualifications

BS degree in engineering or physics and 6+ years of relevant industry experience, or a relevant PhD and 3+ years of relevant industry experience

Meaningful contribution to the aerodynamic development of a hypersonic vehicle that has flown, or is on track to fly within the next 5 years

Experience analyzing aerodynamic data from test, CFD, flight, and other sources and documenting findings rigorously

Experience running CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows (Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, CBAero)

Comfortable building structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise

Proficiency in MATLAB or Python

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate complex aeroscience findings for cross-disciplinary audiences

This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Preferred Skills and Experience

Advanced degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, specializing in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics

Hands-on wind tunnel campaign experience, including test planning, execution, and data reduction

Direct ownership of aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for a flying vehicle

Familiarity with modeling vehicle dynamics in POST2 or similar 6DOF tools

Experience sizing ablative or non-ablative TPS

Experience with flight reconstruction and post-flight performance evaluations

Technical breadth in adjacent disciplines (GNC, avionics, software, structures)

Pay Range

Salary Range: Senior: $140,333- $179,314/per year

This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA

Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance

You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards