As a Research Aerospace Engineer, AST, Fluid Mechanics in the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division (NAS) at Ames Research Center, you will leverage cutting-edge physics-based modeling methods to enhance capabilities within the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver framework developed in-house. You will lead efforts to predict next-generation flight vehicle characteristics using high-fidelity CFD methods to reduce program cost and ensure mission safety and success.

Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee. Develops an understanding of the physics of flow phenomena and physical models of these phenomena to improve the methodology for calculating the flow of fluids through or about aircraft, launch vehicles, entry vehicles, etc., and their components. Applies improved methods for calculating the flow of fluids to the development of advanced aircraft, launch vehicles, etc., and their components. Conducts specialized studies on flight vehicles utilizing high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods, which may include overall and individual major systems components, to ensure their safety, suitability and effectiveness in operation. Assists in the development of novel and existing high-fidelity capabilities within the CFD workflow, which aid in the pre-processing, simulation, and post-processing for large-scale CFD solutions and aerodynamic databases. Contributes to the design of next-generation aerospace vehicles and associated airframe and propulsion technologies utilizing methods such as high-fidelity CFD analysis and aerodynamic shape optimization techniques. Contributes to efficiency enhancements of computational tools and supports development efforts targeting GPU-accelerated compute architectures. Maintains and improves CFD software infrastructure, which includes expanding the coverage and reliability of development testing. Documents analysis results through technical reports and communicates findings with program stakeholders through publications and periodic briefings. Fosters a culture of engagement, diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and innovation. Champion NASA's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility to create an environment that promotes a commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Requirements

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Position subject to pre-employment background investigation.
• Start dates will be set after all requirements have been met and verified. All other qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• This position may require a one-year trial period.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement. Vacant research positions may be filled at one of several grade levels depending upon the scientific impact of the person selected. A review may be required to determine the appropriate grade level of the position and supplemental materials may be required from the selectee. Please keep this in mind when indicating the lowest grade you will accept. If selected at the lower grade level, your scientific impact will be examined in addition to other factors, to determine if you are eligible for promotion. To qualify for GS-12, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers, such as Cart3D, FUN3D, OVERFLOW or similar software, to assess performance characteristics for current or next-generation flight vehicle concepts; Generating high-quality computational meshes, ideally utilizing multiple grid paradigms, for complex vehicle configurations; Leveraging programming languages, such as Python, particularly for improving aspects of the CFD workflow characteristic of generating advanced aerodynamic databases. OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field. OR c) Expect to complete the education degree requirement for this grade level by January 1, 2025. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Conducting specialized studies on flight vehicles or vehicle components utilizing high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods; Utilizing CFD-based tools for aerodynamic, aero-propulsive, and/or aero-structural analysis and shape optimization for current or next-generation flight vehicle concepts; Maintaining and improving CFD software infrastructure, which includes expanding the coverage and reliability of development testing. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Required college majors for applicants qualifying on the basis of graduate education only (GS-12): Fluid/Flight: Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Astronautics, Astrophysics, Electrical Engineering (except power), Electronics Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics. Other appropriate physical or computer science, mathematics or engineering fields are qualifying if the major includes or is supplemented by at least 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of appropriate physical science or engineering courses including nine semester hours (or the equivalent) of physics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics or gas dynamics.

Education

Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or expect to complete the basic education requirement for this position by January 1, 2025 with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.

If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.

Degrees in engineering technology are not considered qualifying for this position.

Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.

Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.

Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Contacts

• Address Ames Research Center Moffett Blvd Mountain View, CA 94035 US
• Name: NASA Shared Services Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-677-2123
• Email: [email protected]