Hypersonic Research Engineer

You will join aircraft developers at Destinus Spain S.L. in Tres Cantos, Madrid and become an expert at evaluating hypersonic vehicle and propulsion concepts. This includes analyzing propulsion and flight performance through modeling, proposing new system architectures and/or operational scenarios, and developing the programming and modelling tools necessary for those activities. Your work focuses on high-speed propulsion (air breathing) and its integration into hypersonic vehicles. You are very knowledgeable on aerothermodynamics and can analyze mission trajectories and flight dynamics. As the work is broad in scope and creative in nature, you are an endless learner.

You spend at least 50% of your work hours on these subjects as part of a small hypersonic research team working on future aircraft concepts. In the remaining time, you support non-hypersonic engineering teams, e.g. production and ground testing of subsonic and supersonic vehicles. Your assistance may be required in Spain or at other Destinus locations. Additionally, you may be training and teaching student interns and new engineers.

Tasks

• Performance studies and concept trade-offs of hypersonic vehicle technologies related to propulsion and aerodynamic configurations.
• Basic modelling, sizing, and detailed analysis of propulsion systems (turbojet, ramjet, TBCC, high-speed air intakes, exhaust nozzles, etc.)
• Modeling and sizing of heat exchangers using correlations and low-order models.
• Conceptual analysis of propulsion integration and vehicle aeroshape.
• Quick sizing of cryogenic vessels for fuel storage and fuel distribution systems, e.g. pumps.
• Quick sizing of thermal protection systems and hot aircraft structures.
• Programming and running modelling and analysis and optimization tools in Python, MATLAB, Rust, and other languages (see programming requirements below).
• Basic CFD simulations of external and internal aerodynamics (CFD is optional, see below)
• Supporting the writing of reports for ongoing research projects.
• Supporting the writing of proposals for more funding opportunities.
• Following the literature on hypersonic vehicle and propulsion research.
• Participating in conferences and internal discussions on hypersonic technology.
• Supervising and teaching internship students.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in aerospace or turbomachinery engineering and preferably a PhD or other experience as a young researcher.
• At least 2 years of research experience in a similar role.
• Expert knowledge of turbomachinery systems, high-speed engines, air intakes, regenerative cooling, aerodynamics, and hypersonic flight (one required, two preferred).
• Strong programmer in Python and MATLAB. C++ programming would be a plus.
• You have autonomously explored the professional literature on your subject, which is related to high-speed propulsion and/or hypersonics.
• Experience in weight optimization, energy and exergy analysis, sensitivity and uncertainty quantification, optimization, model calibration and validation, or related activities.
• Good at checking your own work and like the detailed understanding that comes from analyzing a problem in depth.
• You have a drive to keep learning in your professional and personal life. Trajectory simulation, mission performance, and aerodynamic sizing are valuable experiences, but not required.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams. We do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, colour, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.