Computational Aeroelasticity Software Developer
Position Overview
Cadence Design Systems is seeking a highly motivated Computational Aeroelasticity Software Developer to contribute to the development of next-generation aeroelastic and aerothermoelastic simulation technologies spanning subsonic through hypersonic flight applications. This role is ideal for a recent Ph.D. graduate, postdoctoral researcher, or early-career engineer with research experience in computational aeroelasticity, multidisciplinary simulation, scientific computing, or related fields.
Key Responsibilities
Computational Aeroelasticity & Aerothermoelasticity Development
Contribute to the development, verification, validation, and deployment of advanced aeroelastic simulation capabilities, including:
Low-Fidelity Methods
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Panel methods, Doublet Lattice Method (DLM), and Vortex Lattice Method (VLM)
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Generalized aerodynamic force generation
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Linearized and frequency-domain aerodynamic modeling
Medium-Fidelity Methods
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Hybrid CFD-panel methodologies
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Reduced-order and surrogate modeling
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Transonic correction techniques
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Time-domain aeroelastic formulations
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Flexible vehicle dynamic simulation methods
High-Fidelity Methods
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CFD-based aeroelasticity using Euler and Navier-Stokes solvers
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Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and CFD-CSD coupling
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Nonlinear aeroelasticity and aerothermoelasticity
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High-speed and hypersonic aeroelastic analysis
Support the development of solutions for:
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Static and dynamic aeroelasticity
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Flutter prediction
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Divergence and control reversal
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Gust response and aeroservoelasticity
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Buffet response and limit-cycle oscillations
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Nonlinear aeroelastic behavior
Work with senior technical staff to transition advanced research concepts into production-quality commercial software.
Hypersonic & High-Speed Flight Simulation
Contribute to the development of simulation technologies for high-speed and hypersonic vehicle applications, including:
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Hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics
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Shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions
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Thermal-structural coupling and aerothermoelasticity
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High-temperature flight environments
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Flight stability and control at high Mach numbers
Participate in the implementation and validation of numerical methods such as:
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Piston theory
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Supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamic methods
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Shock-expansion techniques
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Reduced-order models
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CFD-based aeroelastic methodologies
Prior research experience in one or more of these areas is highly desirable.
Multidisciplinary Simulation & Structural Dynamics
Collaborate with structural dynamics, CFD, and multiphysics development teams to build integrated simulation workflows.
Contribute to:
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Modal analysis and structural dynamics
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Dynamic response analysis
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Eigenvalue extraction methods
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Coupled aerodynamic-structural simulations
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Thermal stress and buckling analyses
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Large-scale finite element modeling
Support applications involving:
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Commercial and military aircraft
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Rotorcraft and UAVs
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Hypersonic vehicles
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Space and launch systems
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Advanced aerospace and defense platforms
Scientific Software Development
Develop robust and scalable commercial software capabilities, including:
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Numerical algorithms and solver development
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Scientific software architecture
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APIs and workflow automation
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Multiphysics integration frameworks
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Verification and validation methodologies
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Automated testing and continuous integration practices
Participate in the full software development lifecycle from research prototype to commercial product deployment.
High-Performance Computing
Contribute to the development and optimization of scalable simulation technologies using:
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Parallel computing concepts
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MPI, OpenMP, GPU, or accelerator technologies
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Cloud and distributed computing environments
Optimize algorithms for large-scale engineering simulations and advanced aerospace workflows. Prior experience is beneficial but not required.
Customer & Industry Engagement
Work with technical experts, product teams, and customers to:
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Understand aerospace simulation requirements
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Support technical demonstrations
Required Qualifications
Education
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Ph.D. with outstanding research experience in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Computational Engineering, or a related field.
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Research specialization in computational aeroelasticity, aerodynamics, CFD, structural dynamics, or multidisciplinary simulation.
Experience
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0–5 years of industrial experience, or equivalent graduate/postdoctoral research experience.
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Demonstrated research experience in aeroelasticity spanning low to high speed flight regimes.
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Experience developing research software, computational tools, or numerical simulation capabilities.
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Ability to translate research concepts into practical engineering solutions.
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Record of technical publications, research projects, or thesis work in relevant areas.
Technical Skills
Aerodynamics
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Knowledge of potential flow methods, panel methods, DLM, or VLM
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Understanding of subsonic, transonic, supersonic, or hypersonic aerodynamics
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Familiarity with CFD fundamentals and numerical methods
Aeroelasticity
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Coursework or research in flutter, dynamic aeroelasticity, gust response, or aeroservoelasticity
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Familiarity with aeroelastic modeling and reduced-order methods
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Exposure to aerothermoelasticity or high-speed aeroelasticity is a plus
Structural Dynamics & FEA
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Modal analysis and structural dynamics fundamentals
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Finite element methods and numerical analysis
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Dynamic response and eigenvalue analysis
Software Development
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Programming experience in C++ and Python.
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Experience developing scientific or engineering software leveraging AI
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Experience in software engineering best practices
High-Performance Computing
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Familiarity with parallel computing concepts
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Exposure to MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, GPU computing is desirable
Professional Skills
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Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
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Passion for computational engineering and simulation technology
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Ability to learn new technical domains quickly
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
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Customer-focused mindset with strong collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications
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Ph.D. research focused on computational aeroelasticity, aerothermoelasticity, CFD, structural dynamics, or hypersonics
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Publications in recognized aerospace journals or conferences
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Experience with commercial or research simulation tools such as MSC Nastran, Abaqus, ZAERO, FUN3D, SU2, SCFLOW, Fidelity, CHARLES, Fluent, STAR-CCM+, CFD++, or equivalent
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Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO)
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Exposure to machine learning, AI, or reduced-order modeling techniques
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Experience with HPC environments and large-scale simulations
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Participation in collaborative research programs with aerospace organizations, government laboratories, or universities
