Aerodynamics Engineer
Dawn Aerospace, Netherlands
Job Description
Dawn Aerospace is recruiting an Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Mk-II/Mk-III spaceplane development team in the Netherlands. Areas of interest include for instance vehicle stability during ascent and re-entry that requires a good understanding of supersonic flows in relation to flight conditions. The current aerodynamic data set obtained from CFD simulations is already quite extensive, but more data is required. Furthermore, the data obtained through CFD and flight testing requires further interpretation and validation, to gain more confidence in the design of the vehicle and the ability to complete its mission successfully.
The next step in the Aurora programme is the Mk-III that is a two-stage-to-orbit concept to bring a payload into a low earth orbit, which implies future growth with respect to aerodynamics. Key areas of interest within this design are the subsonic and supersonic aerodynamic performance amp; stability.
What you will do:
You will work closely with the teams in NL and NZ and be responsible for all aerodynamic-related activities required for the spaceplane program. This work includes -but is not limited to- setting up, evaluating, and carrying out aerodynamic simulations using a variety of different tools to aid the design team. You’ll also support other teams with aerodynamics-related analyses, such as processing and interpreting flight test data. Specific tasks include:
- Perform aerodynamic simulations.
- Evaluate, set up, and maintain (new) aerodynamic simulation tools.
- Define and execute wind tunnel tests.
- Support the definition, execution, post-processing of flight tests.
- Support the vehicle identification.
- Support the assessment of flight performance.
- You shall be flexible in executing tasks that are closely related to aerodynamics.
Requirements
We expect the aerodynamic engineer to be capable of not just performing aerodynamic analyses (through CFD) but also applying the obtained knowledge to wind tunnel testing and flight testing. The aerodynamic engineer must be able to communicate the interpretation of the results and provide advice on shape modifications to the vehicle design team as well as to the guidance, navigation, and control team on flight performance.
- A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or similar.
- Subsonic aerodynamics.
- Supersonic aerodynamics.
- ANSYS (Fluent).
- MATLAB or Python.
Desired qualifications
- Vehicle design
- Vehicle performance calculations
- Aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel and/or flight)
- Aeroelasticity
- Re-entry
- Other aerodynamic tools
About Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace was founded to redefine near-space transportation. Redefine how we deliver assets to space, position satellites on orbit, and return things down to Earth to enable the vibrant and circular space economy of the future. To do this, we build scalable, accessible, and sustainable spaceflight technologies technologies that are sustainable for not just the foreseeable future, but the unforeseeable future.
The company has achieved a series of significant milestones in the past 12 months, including launching 27 propulsion units to space from Europe, the USA, and Russia, and completing the successful first flights of the suborbital spaceplane, the Dawn Mk-II Aurora. Dawn was named Hi-Tech Startup Company of the Year (2020) and won the Supreme Award for medium/large business at the Westpac Champion Business Awards 2021.
Current customers include the likes of D-Orbit, the Indonesian Space Agency, and a large number of yet-to-name constellations. Dawn’s satellite propulsion business is forecast to more than double during 2022. Based on current units in space and in production, we're fast on track to become the number one supplier of green-chemical propulsion systems globally.
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Important!
If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you. For any questions you might have before applying or if you would like to have a general conversation about Dawn Aerospace, you can contact our Recruiter, Harald van Klaveren on +31(0) 6 1464 7117 or send an e-mail to .