Thermal Engineer (level 2 or 3)

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Plymouth, MN +1 · Mechanical

Thermal Engineer at Northrop Grumman responsible for performing thermal and coupled thermal/structural analyses for smart weapon systems. This involves using FEA tools like ANSYS to guide design decisions, improve product robustness, and ensure systems meet customer expectations in demanding environments. The role requires understanding of heat transfer fundamentals, experience with thermal analysis tools, and familiarity with structural FEA.

What you'd actually do

  1. Work with Subject Matter Experts to develop finite element analysis approaches and solutions to thermal problems based on an understanding of engineering principles.
  2. Assist in determining the appropriate analysis type and tools needed to evaluate a variety of numerical modeling problems involving metals, plastics, and composite materials.
  3. Develop the thermal and coupled thermal/structural models:
  4. Post-process and assist in the interpretation of analytical results; help identify key sensitivities and support recommendations for design improvements.
  5. Document analysis methods, assumptions, and results in clear technical reports and presentations for internal design reviews.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of relevant engineering experience with a BS degree; 0+ years with a Master’s degree in a related field (for Level 2)
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience with Bachelor of Science degree; 3+ years with a Master’s degree, or 1+ year with a PhD (for Level 3)
  • Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, and radiation)
  • Academic or work experience performing steady-state and transient thermal analysis using tools such as ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Icepak, or Abaqus.
  • Familiarity with structural FEA (e.g. deformation, stress, strain, modal, shock, and vibration)
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment, receive technical direction, and incorporate feedback.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document analyses and present technical results.
  • U.S. citizen and possess or qualify for a U.S. Government security clearance

Nice to have

  • performing or assisting with aeroheating CFD analyses (potentially including material recession and ablation) is highly desired.

What the JD emphasized

  • thermal analysis
  • finite element methods
  • heat transfer fundamentals