Principal Engineer, Specialized Pump Applications

We are looking for a Principal Engineer to extend our AxSTREAM software platform for space, cryogenic, and extreme-environment applications. In this role, you will close key physics-modeling gaps for these applications and apply that work to real pump design.

Why should you apply:

• Extend a real, established technical capability into space and extreme-environment applications
• Work at the intersection of physics modeling, software, and hands-on turbomachinery design
• Engage directly with clients already working on space and extreme-environment pump applications

Responsibilities:

• Identify and close physics-modeling gaps in AxSTREAM for space and extreme-environment pump applications (cavitation in microgravity, cryogenic/non-standard fluids, extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions)
• Apply improved modeling to real pump and component design — sizing, configuration trade-offs, materials, manufacturability
• Assess and build out validation data through client relationships and public/academic sources
• Work with clients and the software team to shape the technical roadmap for this work
• Support technical proposals and client engagements as this work grows

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or related field, plus 5+ years of relevant experience in CFD/turbomachinery modeling — or MS with 10+ years of directly relevant hands-on experience
• Hands-on CFD and turbomachinery modeling experience, with the ability to validate or extend numerical models directly
• Real pump or turbomachinery design experience — not modeling alone
• Direct experience with cryogenic fluids, two-phase flow, or other extreme-condition fluid dynamics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with cryogenic turbopumps or liquid rocket propellant systems (LOX, LH2, methane, or similar)
• Experience with cryogenic systems in adjacent fields — fusion magnet cooling, cryogenic equipment design, high-vacuum systems, LNG, hydrogen infrastructure, industrial gas, or semiconductor vacuum systems
• Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations (AIAA, ASME Turbo Expo), or patents
• Prior experience at a national lab, aerospace propulsion group, or fusion energy company