Employment Opportunities

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a dedicated Blast Dynamics Engineer to join our team at Eglin AFB in sunny Florida. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where you can contribute to cutting-edge research and development supporting the Air Force. For a career that makes a difference - Apply Today!

This position is located at Eglin AFB, FL. The engineer will work within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Munitions Directorate, Ordnance Division, Computational Engineering Branch (System & Energetic Effects Section). In this role, the engineer will work directly with researchers on projects within the Energetic Materials Branch (Initiation & Dynamics Section), applying their numerical analysis expertise to directly address key research efforts. This work involves areas related to novel/advanced explosive formulation and development for specific effects, explosive properties and dynamic behavior characterization, and the analysis of small to large-scale explosive testing.

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Responsibilities include:

Conducting comprehensive modeling and simulation of air blast phenomena:

Executing simulations of complex, compressible, multiphase, and chemically reacting flows, including detonation and afterburning, using codes such as HyBurn, CTH, and ALE3D.

Performing the full M&S workflow, from initial target geometry creation to pre-processing, data analysis, scientific visualization, and final data reduction.

Developing custom post-processing scripts in Python for detailed blast wave analysis.

Developing and validating advanced physics models for explosive formulations:

Using thermochemical equilibrium codes (e.g., Cheetah, Tiger) to establish baseline models for conventional explosives.

Evaluating and implementing state-of-the-art multiphase flow models to improve predictive capabilities.

Coordinating closely with test engineers to provide pre-test predictions and perform post-test assessments for experimental validation.

Engaging in collaborative research and providing technical expertise:

Working with internal staff and external partners to provide expert guidance on the execution of air blast simulation codes and their associated workflows.

Coordinating with explosive formulators as needed to ensure simulation models are accurate and relevant.

Collaborating with Air Force scientists and academic partners, including key interactions with Purdue University, to refine physics models.

Documenting and communicating all research findings:

Analyzing simulation results to discern the advantages and disadvantages of new designs and technology solutions.

Preparing and delivering comprehensive data analyses, technical reports, scientific articles, and formal presentations within a scientific/technical setting.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, with minimum 1 year related experience.

Expertise in the numerical simulation of compressible, multiphase, chemically reacting flows.

Ability to effectively utilize high-performance computing (HPC) resources for large-scale numerical modeling.

Knowledge of air blast modeling & simulation principles and related continuum mechanics codes.

Effective use of verbal and written communication in a scientific/technical setting.

Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work in a team of engineers and technicians.

Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.

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

An active SECRET security clearance or equivalent.

A strong research background, evidenced by at least five years of experience in computational combustion or a similar field, with a focus on high-fidelity simulations of multiphase reactive flows.

A proven track record of applying simulation expertise to relevant defense-related problems, such as investigating detonation initiation, blast wave overpressures, and afterburning effects.

Demonstrated experience using high-performance computing (HPC) to analyze complex physical phenomena, such as particle-laden combustion, flame propagation, and multiphase interactions.

Proficiency in software development (Fortran, C++) and computational data analysis (Python, MATLAB) applied toward enabling and optimizing high-fidelity simulation workflows.

Hands-on experience with relevant research codes (HyBurn, CTH, ALE3D), design tools (SolidWorks), and visualization tools (VisIt, ParaView, TecPlot).

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 dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.