Thermal Fluids Analysis and Test Engineer

Thermal Fluids Analysis and Test Engineer (Eng IV)

LOCATION: Kennedy Space Center, FL
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Ability to obtain and maintain a NASA badge
TRAVEL: Limited; as needed
REQUIRED: U.S. Citizenship

Astrion is seeking an on-site Thermal Fluids Analysis and Test Engineer to support advanced technology development efforts within the Engineering Laboratories at NASA Kennedy Space Center. This position will support the development of next-generation spaceflight hardware and processing systems for future Moon and Mars missions across laboratories including the Applied Chemistry Lab (ACL), Cryogenic Test Lab (CTL), and Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Lab.

The selected candidate will support the development and implementation of multiphysics simulation models for high-temperature reaction systems involving molten regolith and oxygen production processes. This role requires a strong background in thermal and fluid sciences, computational modeling, and hands-on hardware testing. The engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary researchers and engineers to model, design, validate, and test advanced reactor and fluid systems intended for extreme planetary environments.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of relevant engineering experience, or advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) with applicable research experience
• Strong background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics
• Experience with thermal and fluid modeling software such as STAR-CCM+, COMSOL Multiphysics, Thermal Desktop, or similar tools
• Experience developing transient multiphysics models involving thermal, fluid, electrical, and/or chemical systems
• Experience using CAD software such as Creo Parametric, SolidWorks, or OnShape
• Proficiency with engineering analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, MathCAD, or similar
• Ability to interpret and troubleshoot fluid system performance using temperature, pressure, flow rate, and sensor data
• Experience with instrumentation and sensors including thermocouples, pressure transducers, and mass flow meters
• Hands-on hardware testing experience supporting model validation and applied engineering system development
• Experience documenting technical findings through reports, presentations, and/or published papers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary technical teams

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience using STAR-CCM+ for thermal fluids modeling and simulation
• Knowledge of molten metals, reactor chemistry, electrolysis systems, and oxygen production processes
• Familiarity with hot pressurized reactor systems and vacuum systems
• Experience validating computational models through hardware test campaigns
• Understanding of scaling laws, system integration challenges, and test-to-flight engineering considerations
• Experience supporting aerospace, ISRU, cryogenic, or planetary surface technology development programs
• Familiarity with laboratory operations, hazardous test environments, and test readiness processes
• Experience supporting technical publications, conference papers, or peer-reviewed research

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement transient multiphysics models for high-temperature reactor systems and molten regolith processes
• Perform thermal, fluid, chemical, and electrical system simulations to support advanced spaceflight hardware development
• Analyze model outputs and provide engineering recommendations for reactor and fluid system designs
• Identify scaling concerns, technical risks, and potential mitigation strategies for hardware systems
• Support development, integration, and execution of hardware testing activities used to validate computational models
• Troubleshoot and diagnose system performance using engineering sensor data and test results
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and research teams across multiple NASA laboratories
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publishable documentation of modeling and testing results
• Support the design and maturation of technologies intended for lunar and Martian exploration missions

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