Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Lead Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Minnesota, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Deliver comprehensive technical oversight for the design, integration, operation, and maintenance of both new and existing large-scale hypersonic ground test capabilities.

• Provide technical leadership to guarantee that facilities and systems function safely, reliably, and meet performance standards.

• Act as the primary technical advisor to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

• Supervise the design-build prime contractor’s efforts in establishing a wind tunnel test capability.

• Offer technical feedback and strategic direction to ensure that designs comply with government safety, reliability, and performance criteria.

• Identify, manage, and communicate technical risks, while developing mitigation strategies in collaboration with the Assistant Project Manager.

• Represent the government program office in Integrated Product Team meetings, Technical Interchange Meetings, technical design reviews, and milestone assessments.

• Conduct thorough technical evaluations of contractor designs, drawings, specifications, FEA, CFD, and other analyses.

• Execute independent verification analyses and coordinate with external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).

• Lead and contribute to safety reviews and audits.

• Create Statements of Work, Independent Government Cost Estimates, and documentation of facility requirements.

• Collaborate with professionals in mechanical, electrical, aerothermal, controls and instrumentation, systems engineering, program management, program controls, physical security, cybersecurity, and construction.

• Convert complex project data into actionable insights and lead executive briefings.

• Review work products to ensure compliance with administrative and sensitive data protection guidelines.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Over 10 years of experience in the aerospace or defense sector.

• Direct experience with the design, construction, operation, and/or modernization of large-scale Test and Evaluation (T&E) facilities, including wind tunnels, arc jets, rocket stands, and turbine cells.

• Capability to conduct thorough technical reviews and assessments, resolve intricate technical challenges, and oversee project phases from initial design to completion.

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to translate complex engineering data into decision-ready presentations.

• Strong project management abilities, including accountability, action plan management, and maintaining project progress.

• Experience in integrating complex systems.

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems engineering principles.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.

• Active SECRET security clearance.

• U.S. citizenship is required.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

• Experience in matrixed or collaborative technical oversight environments (SETA) is preferred.

• Direct experience with subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic wind tunnel operations, hypersonic aerodynamics, or hypersonic propulsion is preferred.

• Facility Engineering experience with high-temperature and high-pressure systems is preferred.

• Experience with instrumentation systems, data collection, and data analytics is preferred.

• Regular use of Generative AI tools for engineering analysis, code generation, or document review is preferred.

• Experience with modern digital engineering design and analysis tools and software is preferred.

• Familiarity with Department of Defense weapon acquisition programs and their T&E requirements is preferred.

• Approximately 20% travel, or around ten non-consecutive weeks per year.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Paid vacation and sick time accruals, with amounts increasing based on role and tenure.

• 11 paid holidays annually.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• A work environment that fosters excellence.

• Support for government security investigations and eligibility for access to classified information, where applicable.