Aero-Structures Engineer

We are looking for a motivated Aero-Structures Engineer to join our launch vehicle development team. The candidate will be responsible for aerodynamic analysis, structural analysis, vehicle loads and structural design support for our launch vehicle development programme.

The role involves close interaction with the propulsion, GNC, mechanical, avionics and systems engineering teams to develop a safe, lightweight and flight-worthy launch vehicle.

Key Responsibilities

1. Aerodynamics

- Perform aerodynamic analysis of launch vehicle configurations across various flight regimes and operating conditions.
- Analyse aerodynamic characteristics of launch vehicle components, including nose cones, fins/control surfaces, interstages and other external components.
- Develop Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, including geometry preparation, mesh generation, simulation setup, execution, validation and post-processing for aerodynamic force and moment prediction.
- Perform external aerodynamic analysis of launch vehicles and support geometry optimization to improve aerodynamic performance and overall vehicle efficiency.
- Correlate CFD predictions with wind-tunnel and flight-test data and support validation of aerodynamic models.
- Develop, analyse and validate in-house computational tools and software for launch vehicle aerodynamic and performance prediction.
- Perform heat-transfer and aerothermodynamic analyses across relevant mission phases, including atmospheric ascent and re-entry conditions.
- Support the selection and integration of aerodynamic sensors and data acquisition systems for experimental testing, data collection and CFD/model correlation.

2. Structural Analysis





- Perform structural analysis and sizing of launch vehicle primary and secondary structures.
- Develop and maintain FEA models of launch vehicle components and assemblies.
- Perform Static structural analysis, Modal analysis, Buckling analysis, Dynamic/vibration analysis, Thermal-structural analysis, where required
- Analyse structural response to thrust, pressure, aerodynamic, inertial and thermal loads.
- Evaluate structural margins and identify critical load cases.
- Support structural sizing and mass optimization of tanks, interstages, frames, bulkheads, thrust structures and other load-bearing components.

3. Launch Vehicle Loads & Design Support

- Support development of structural design load cases for different phases of flight.
- Evaluate axial/lateral acceleration, aerodynamic loads, Max-Q, wind/gust loads, thrust loads and transient loads.
- Work with the GNC/trajectory team to obtain relevant flight conditions and load cases.
- Provide structural requirements and design inputs to the CAD/mechanical design team.
- Review structural designs and recommend modifications for strength, stiffness, weight and manufacturability.
- Participate in design reviews and technical discussions.

4. Testing & Correlation

- Support structural qualification and proof testing of launch vehicle components.
- Correlate analytical results with experimental/test data.




- Investigate structural issues identified during testing and recommend corrective actions.
- Support preparation of analysis and test reports.

Required Qualifications

- B.Tech/M.Tech in Aerospace, Structural or related fields will be an advantage.
- Strong fundamentals in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and FEA .
- Hands-on experience with CFD and/or structural analysis tools.
- Ability to interpret CAD models and engineering drawings.
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.

Software Skills Experience with one or more of the following:

CFD: ANSYS Fluent/CFX, OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, SU2 or equivalent.

FEA: ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN/PATRAN, HyperMesh or equivalent.

Others: SolidWorks/CATIA/NX, MATLAB or Python.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience or project exposure in the following areas will be preferred:

- Launch vehicle / rocket / missile aerodynamics, Aerospace structural analysis, Supersonic aerodynamics
- FEA of thin-walled structures, Buckling of cylindrical shells, Pressurized/cryogenic tank analysis, Structural dynamics and modal analysis, Aeroelasticity / FSI, Thrust-frame and engine mounting structures, Stage/interstage structural design, Composite aerospace structures

Experience

- 1–3 years: Graduates with strong academic/research projects and hands-on CFD/FEA experience may apply.

How to Apply: If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for launch vehicle engineering and a track record of success in this field, please submit your resume, and/or any relevant portfolios or work samples to [email protected]. Please include "Aero-Structures Engineer Application" in the subject line.

📌 Aero-Structures Engineer (Thoothukudi)
🏢 Cosmicport
📍 Thoothukudi