At the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, delivering novel solutions to sponsors like NASA, the Department of Defense, and industry. The UDRI Space Power System Design and Assembly Team is developing novel radioisotope power systems (RPS) for use in space and surface missions that further enable the search for life in the solar system or exploration of lunar and cislunar domains. We seek a Distinguished Structural/Thermal Analysis Engineer to help us on multiple projects developing novel RPS units.

As a Distinguished Structural/Thermal Analysis Engineer, you analyze and verify space power system designs. You will be part of a team of talented engineering professionals in developing the industry’s most novel radioisotope power systems. You will apply industry standard and advanced computational techniques to reacting, high-temperature flow fields supporting system and subsystem design, development, and ground and flight testing. The structural and thermal analysis includes but is not limited to subsystem performance modelings such as thermoelectric and Stirling systems, reentry heat shields, and active and passive cooling systems. Critical design and analysis outcomes are predictive performance and validation measures, including forces and moments, heat release, and heat transfer in terrestrial and space environments. This position requires a strong background in performing structural, thermal, and impact analyses for current and future RPS designs.

Responsibilities
• Perform the thermal design and analysis of RPS unit designs, applying the best practices and latest research and incorporating qualified technologies. RPS designs include active or passive systems to manage system temperatures using radiation, conduction, convection, and single- and two-phase heat transfer methods. Analyses include closed-form analytical methods as well as computational methods.
• Perform the structural and thermal analysis of novel RPS designs in terrestrial and space environments.
• Perform complex thermal analyses to show acceptable margins for bounding nominal and fault mission conditions.
• Perform thermal design trade studies that successfully balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule.
• Participate in formal design reviews and present design data to government and industrial sponsors and collaborators.
• Participate in the thermal testing of spacecraft, subsystems, and components, including pre-and post-test thermal analyses to validate the flight system design and readiness.
• Participate in flight qualification and acceptance testing and reporting.
• Collaborate with other system and subsystem engineers to establish the necessary thermal interface requirements.

New ideas surround us, but only a few will change the world. We are building upon RPS design philosophies that have stood the test of time, and this is your opportunity to become part of a team that brings us one step closer. If you desire to create something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for UDRI. Our Space Power System team solves complex challenges and develops novel solutions, but our culture makes us unique. We offer a welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.


Minimum Qualifications
• Ph.D. Degree in an Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering discipline from an accredited university and at least +15 years of experience in FEA analysis and heat transfer modeling
• Must have a general understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in heat transfer (especially in fundamental radiation heat transfer principles) and thermal engineering
• Must have experience in one or more areas: heat transfer (radiation, conduction, convection), structural/impact analysis, numerical methods, and engineering design
• Must have experience in developing material models for temperature dependent and high-strain rate analyses
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• U.S. Citizenship Required
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• 25 years of experience in FEA analysis and heat transfer modeling
• 25 years of experience using engineering software packages such as ANSYS or Abaqus
• Experience using ANSYS or Abaqus thermal for structural analyses, SolidWorks, Matlab, or LabView
• Experience automating analyses
• Experience with spacecraft, satellites, or RPS development programs
• Experience performing thermal simulations in space domains
• Experience in modeling complex geometries, including heat exchanger design
• Experience with natural and forced convection, linear conduction, radiation, and numerical algorithms
• Experience in the development and implementation of coupled computational and advanced testing techniques
• Demonstrated ability to achieve superior results and industry-wide recognition in their profession
• A strong drive for results and continuous improvement
• Experience working with socially and culturally diverse communities

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.


Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.