Senior Mechanical Engineer, Re-Entry Aerodynamics

Pioneering multi-ton Earth return for the growing space economy and for enabling point to point delivery around the globe. 

Outpost is at the forefront of space logistics, developing innovative Earth return vehicles that enable safe and efficient payload recovery from space to Earth. By accelerating the transition of industries into orbit, we open new possibilities for space-based manufacturing and global logistics. Our flagship project, the Ferryall spacecraft, is supported by the U.S. Government, with four missions supported over the next four years. We're also developing the Carryall vehicle, designed to return up to 10 tons from space, significantly expanding the scope of what's possible for space-based operations. Founded in 2021 by industry veteran Jason Dunn, and based in Santa Monica, California, our team is committed to advancing space technology and making space accessible to all.

The Team

As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer, you will be responsible for predicting the aerodynamic and aerothermal conditions that Outpost’s Ferryall and Carryall reusable satellites, along with their heat shields, will face throughout their missions. You will utilize engineering models, simulations, and testing to deliver accurate predictions before flight validation. The team collaborates closely with the GNC (guidance, navigation, and control) team to ensure the safe landing and recovery of the satellites. They also provide support to engineers working on satellite structures during the design process.

Qualifications: 

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting thermal analysis and heat transfer simulations and/or aerodynamics through CFD.
• Skilled in using tools and techniques for aerodynamic analysis and experimentation.
• Capable of validating simulation results with data and determining confidence intervals for CFD outcomes.
• Proficient in developing models based on first-principles when necessary.
• Experience in fluid dynamics, including subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and rarefied flow conditions.
• Experienced in meshing, running, and analyzing compressible CFD models.
• Experienced with CFD software such as NASA Fun3D, DPLR, Laura, US3D, or similar tools.
• Highly self-driven, flexible, and capable of making a substantial impact in a dynamic, fast-paced program environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and enhance the aerodynamic database for Outpost's vehicles.
• Work collaboratively with design, development, and testing teams across the organization.
• Develop aerodynamic design solutions to address re-entry vehicle challenges.
• Set up, mesh, run, and analyze computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models.
• Compute pressure, heat flux, and aero buffet/vibration loads for the thermal and structures teams.
• Lead the analysis of post-flight data and compare it to pre-flight predictions.
• Oversee all external and internal flow field simulations.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $140,000 - $180,000, based on experience
• Equity
• Annual Performance-Based Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Short- and Long-Term disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401K with company match
• Subsidized daily catered lunch, snacks and coffee

You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 , or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Outpost Space we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.