Propulsion engineer - Thermal/fluid dynamics

ph3Overview /h3 /brpbBy joining Alpha Impulsion as a propulsion engineer on thermal and fluid dynamics in the Naples office, you will play a key role in the development of propellant feed systems for multiple iterations of our autophage rocket engines. /b /p /brpReporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, you will bring forward solutions to challenging thermal cases for AMBER (storable propellants demonstrator) and GARNET (full-scale cryogenic launcher). This includes trade studies of fluidic designs including cooling mechanisms and injection. You will then contribute to demonstrating the high performance of autophage propulsion, especially through testing. /p /brh3Your first project here /h3 /brpAlpha Impulsion is developing a medium-scale research engine and propulsion test bench as part of a major contract with the Campania region. This activity will support the development of a game-changing cryogenic rocket engine able to disrupt the way launchers are built, reaching performance up to twice that of current propulsion technologies. You will embark on a new project, with the opportunity to build it from start to qualification and exploitation. /p /brh3bYour key responsibilities: /b /h3 /brul /brlipSize and design regenerative cooling circuits for hybrid and cryogenic autophage rocket engines, handling complex fluids (including H2O2 and O2) close to their critical point. /p /li /brlipDevelop engine cycle and thermal architectures from 0D/1D system-level performance models to full 3D conjugate heat transfer and CFD simulations, including choice of arms and workflow. /p /li /brlipConduct system-level parametric trade studies to optimise the engine power cycle and loads, cooling channel geometry, and overall system performance from a 10kN prototype up to a mini-launcher engine. /p /li /brlipImplement advanced thermal protection strategies, including film cooling, distributed injection, and boundary layer management to mitigate extreme thermal loads. /p /li /brlipDefine test configurations and instrumentation plans for subscale thermal and cooling breadboards, interpreting test data to anchor and recalibrate your numerical models. /p /li /brlipCollaborate closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and propulsion teams, also including the Toulouse office to integrate cooling channels into additive manufacturing workflows and engine hardware assemblies. /p /li /brlipInterface with the experts of a reference test provider like CIRA to qualify your configurations for testing and exploit test results to iterate. /p /li /br /ul /brh3What we would appreciate most /h3 /brpThis position requires a strong focus on fluid thermodynamics and cooling solutions but also a concrete system-level awareness to drive architectural choices before diving in design. /p /brh3bRequired education, experience and skills: /b /h3 /brul /brlipDegree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Thermal Engineering (Master or PhD) with a strong specialisation in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. /p /li /brlipDemonstrated experience in regenerative cooling bon a test-proven engine /b. /p /li /brlipDeep expertise in complex fluid thermodynamics, specifically phase changes, boiling heat transfer, and near-critical/supercritical fluid behaviour. /p /li /brlipProficiency in thermal/fluid modelling toolchains, ranging from 0D/1D internal flow system codes (e.g., Simcenter Amesim, EcoSim, Modelica, or custom scripts) to 3D CFD solvers (e.g., Simcenter STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, etc.). /p /li /brlipStrong physical intuition for system-level fluid dynamics and stability, cooling failure modes, material compatibility with oxidizers and high-heat-flux hot-wall limits. /p /li /brlipHands-on experience with film cooling design, porous media injection, swirl/distributed injection or other complex flows. /p /li /brlipExperience in test design and data reduction, matching experimental thermal measurements with simulation models. /p /li /brlipThriving in a fast-paced hardware-centric environment, with an iterative mindset, strong technical autonomy, and a drive to scale technology from the lab to flight. /p /li /brlipProfessional fluency in English (written and spoken). /p /li /br /ul /brh3Would be a plus: /h3 /brul /brliTest experience, especially with cryogens. /li /brliProficiency in Italian or French. /li /br /ul /brh3bCompensation /b /h3 /brpBase salary negotiable based on experience. Additionally, competitive compensation package including meal vouchers and team performance bonus. Flexible remote work organisation. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr