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Senior Engineer, Thermal  

Overview and Background 

SPARC Research was founded in 2018 to advance state-of-the-art rocket and airbreathing technology development, preliminary design, and prototype demonstration using modern multiphysics modeling tools. With industry leading years of combined experience in rocket propulsion, SPARC’s personnel create relationships with customers that are built on trust. 

Working with established propulsion suppliers, missile prime contractors, and Government laboratories to provide unique design solutions to demanding propulsion requirements, SPARC Research provides unbiased technical analyses and design solutions that our customers can count on. SPARC Research currently has 27 full-time employees, numerous interns and consultants, and is still growing. The SPARC team represents a combined 500+ years of experience in rocket propulsion and government contracting. 

Keys to company success: 

  • Relationships with customers that are built on trust 
  • Unbiased technical analysis and design solutions a customer can count on 
  • Providing a work life for employees that is enjoyable and rewarding 
  • A transparent management approach that recognizes personal employee contributions 
  • Engagement with educational institutions at all levels  

SPARC Research seeks a Senior Thermal Engineer to join our team in Warrenton, VA. Our position requires thermal design and analysis experience with a knowledge base of rocket motor propulsion designs. 

Job Responsibilities  

The Senior Thermal Engineer will perform and lead thermal analysis and design engineering assignments that require the application of engineering principles, theories, and concepts to develop components and integrated propulsion systems for missile programs; using existing thermal analysis tools, design and analyze propulsion systems, and components that will support the creation of detailed drawings used for manufacturing and procurement; work as a member of a team with other disciplines to mature designs through component and system analyses, testing, and design reviews; prepare and present analysis documentation at internal and external customer reviews; provide support for new business activities through preliminary designs, trade studies, and planning as required.  

Requirements  

Our position requires a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or an appropriate equivalent discipline, and a minimum of five (5) years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Additional Requirements: 

  • Engineering expertise with solid and airbreathing propulsion system thermal design and analysis to include nozzles, and internal and external insulation  
  • Experience with legacy software codes (ACE, CMA, CEA, Gasket) as well as proficiency in using thermal analysis tools for thermal ablation analyses 
  • The ability to coordinate with other team members regarding customer specified thermal requirements, or develop component requirements derived from system level specifications 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 
  • Satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, which requires U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency. Having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree a plus 
  • Working knowledge of geometry-based modeling tools (SolidWorks, CREO and/or NX) 
  • Experience with CFD software (Fluent, STAR-CCM) 
  • May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level