RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Mechanical Designer/Analyst for Propulsion Systems

Southwest Research Institute - San Antonio, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

San Antonio, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Research Engineer - Sr. Research Engineer position focuses on the design, analysis, and testing of propulsion and energy systems. The role involves applying engineering principles to develop and support advanced technologies in gas turbine combustion, air-breathing propulsion, and liquid propulsion, contributing to a cleaner future in propulsion systems for air and space flight.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, and testing of propulsion and energy systems and components.
• Apply principles of machine design, piping/pressure vessel design, process controls, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Utilize CAD software (Solidworks) for mechanical designs and component fitments.
• Provide design, analytical, and experimental support across multiple projects in a team environment.
• Conduct research, design, analysis, and simulation development using commercial engineering software like ANSYS Workbench or APDL.
• Contribute to the technical development of experimental test programs and operate new test rigs.
• Direct the technical work of other engineers and technicians, ensuring project objectives are met.
• Assess problem-solving approaches and interrogate results for reliability.
• Provide troubleshooting support for tests and simulations using a first-principles approach.
• Act as the primary technical lead for mechanical designs and guide the technical direction of projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 0 years of experience required with a PhD in relevant areas.
• 2-5 years of mechanical design experience using FEA tools to predict component stresses.
• 2-5 years of design, commissioning, and testing experience with high pressure and/or extreme temperature systems.
• 2-5 years of experience with industry standards such as ASME Pressure Vessel Code and ASME B31 Piping Codes.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Nice-to-haves

• MS or PhD degrees in engineering are preferred but not required.