Aerodynamics & Aerothermodynamics Engineer

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high‑tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

We are looking for an Aerodynamics & Aerothermodynamics Engineer.

The Aerodynamics and Aerothermodynamics Engineer’s focal activity is related to the study of re‑entry phenomena, maintenance and development of aerothermodynamics modelling CFD tools, configuration and design of re‑entry vehicles, and support to the R&D initiatives of the department.

Key duties

• Act as member of the Thermal & Environmental Control and Propulsion department and report to its head.
• Perform the critical assessment and definition of system and mission requirements.
• Perform CFD modelling and simulation of flow fields with dedicated analysis tools, quantify the reference aerothermal loads (Best Estimates Data) and/or the sizing loads (Sizing Data).
• Define the type and size of thermal protections, perform the preliminary evaluation of TPS performance, and perform the preliminary optimisation of the design.
• Assure the follow‑up of test campaigns.
• Generate aerodynamic and aerothermodynamics databases for the purposes of the Control.
• Support/manage R&D activities.

Skills, experience and qualifications required

• Master degree in Aerospace Engineering or Physics, preferably with specialization in aerothermodynamics for space vehicles.
• Industry or academic experience in the field of computational fluid‑dynamics.
• Mastery of the fundamentals of fluid‑dynamics and aerothermodynamics.
• Good knowledge of programming techniques and languages (e.g. Fortran, C++) and of MATLAB.
• Knowledge of specific aerothermodynamics simulation software tools (e.g. Metacomp CFD++, Ansys Fluent or similar tools) is considered an asset.
• Good attitude for teamwork.
• Curiosity, pro‑activity, autonomy.
• Mindset for a multidisciplinary engineering approach (fluid‑dynamics, aerothermodynamics, thermal/mechanical engineering, mission analysis, flight dynamics).
• Good knowledge of the English language (spoken and written).
• Availability to travel for business in case of need, including occasional medium‑duration missions.

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!