Computational Aeroelasticity Developer

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology. Computational Aeroelasticity Software Developer (Early Career) 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. The successful candidate will work with senior MSC Nastran developers to develop, validate, and commercialize advanced simulation methods used by aerospace, defense, and space organizations worldwide.

Key Responsibilities Computational Aeroelasticity & Aerothermoelasticity Development Contribute to the development, verification, validation, and deployment of advanced aeroelastic simulation capabilities, including: Low-Fidelity Methods Panel methods, Doublet Lattice Method (DLM), and Vortex Lattice Method (VLM) Generalized aerodynamic force generation Linearized and frequency-domain aerodynamic modeling Medium-Fidelity Methods Hybrid CFD-panel methodologies Reduced-order and surrogate modeling Transonic correction techniques Time-domain aeroelastic formulations Flexible vehicle dynamic simulation methods High-Fidelity Methods CFD-based aeroelasticity using Euler and Navier-Stokes solvers Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and CFD-CSD coupling Nonlinear aeroelasticity and aerothermoelasticity High-speed and hypersonic aeroelastic analysis Support the development of solutions for: Static and dynamic aeroelasticity Flutter prediction Divergence and control reversal Gust response and aeroservoelasticity Buffet response and limit-cycle oscillations 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: Hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics Shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions Thermal-structural coupling and aerothermoelasticity High-temperature flight environments Flight stability and control at high Mach numbers Participate in the implementation and validation of numerical methods such as: Piston theory Supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamic methods Shock-expansion techniques Reduced-order models 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: Modal analysis and structural dynamics Dynamic response analysis Eigenvalue extraction methods Coupled aerodynamic-structural simulations Thermal stress and buckling analyses Large-scale finite element modeling Support applications involving: Commercial and military aircraft Rotorcraft and UAVs Hypersonic vehicles Space and launch systems Advanced aerospace and defense platforms Scientific Software Development Develop robust and scalable commercial software capabilities, including: Numerical algorithms and solver development Scientific software architecture APIs and workflow automation Multiphysics integration frameworks Verification and validation methodologies 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: Parallel computing concepts MPI, OpenMP, GPU, or accelerator technologies 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: Understand aerospace simulation requirements Support technical demonstrations Required Qualifications Education Ph.D. with outstanding research experience in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Computational Engineering, or a related field.

Research specialization in computational aeroelasticity, aerodynamics, CFD, structural dynamics, or multidisciplinary simulation. Experience 0–5 years of industrial experience, or equivalent graduate/postdoctoral research experience. Demonstrated research experience in aeroelasticity spanning low to high speed flight regimes.

Experience developing research software, computational tools, or numerical simulation capabilities. Ability to translate research concepts into practical engineering solutions. Record of technical publications, research projects, or thesis work in relevant areas.

Technical Skills Aerodynamics Knowledge of potential flow methods, panel methods, DLM, or VLM Understanding of subsonic, transonic, supersonic, or hypersonic aerodynamics Familiarity with CFD fundamentals and numerical methods Aeroelasticity Coursework or research in flutter, dynamic aeroelasticity, gust response, or aeroservoelasticity Familiarity with aeroelastic modeling and reduced-order methods Exposure to aerothermoelasticity or high-speed aeroelasticity is a plus Structural Dynamics & FEA Modal analysis and structural dynamics fundamentals Finite element methods and numerical analysis Dynamic response and eigenvalue analysis Software Development Programming experience in C++ and Python.

Experience developing scientific or engineering software Knowledge of software engineering best practices High-Performance Computing Familiarity with parallel computing concepts Exposure to MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, GPU computing is desirable Professional Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Passion for computational engineering and simulation technology Ability to learn new technical domains quickly Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams Customer-focused mindset with strong collaboration skills Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. research focused on computational aeroelasticity, aerothermoelasticity, CFD, structural dynamics, or hypersonics Publications in recognized aerospace journals or conferences Experience with commercial or research simulation tools such as MSC Nastran, Abaqus, ZAERO, FUN3D, SU2, SCFLOW, Fidelity, Charles, Fluent, STAR-CCM+, CFD++, or equivalent Experience with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) Experienced in leveraging AI for development Reduced-order modeling techniques Experience with HPC environments and large-scale simulations Participation in collaborative research programs with aerospace organizations, government laboratories, or universities The annual salary range for California is $98,000 to $182,000.

You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.

Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more. We’re doing work that matters. Help us solve what others can’t.