Senior Consultant – Computational Aerothermodynamics & Machine Learning

Job Description:

56-$69 Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking a highly specialized Subject Matter Expert to serve in a part-time, advisory capacity. This consultant will provide strategic technical guidance and expert review at the intersection of computational aerothermodynamics, advanced modeling and simulation (M&S), and machine learning (ML).

Requiring a commitment of no more than 20 hours per month, this role is ideal for an established researcher, academic, or industry veteran looking to lend their expertise to cutting-edge aerospace challenges without a full-time commitment.

The hourly rate for this position is $59-$106 an hour commensurate with experience and education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Advisory: Provide expert-level consultation on computational aerothermodynamics methodologies, physics-based modeling, and simulation strategies.

• Machine Learning Integration: Advise on the application and integration of machine learning algorithms (e.g., surrogate modeling, physics-informed neural networks, data-driven turbulence modeling) to enhance traditional CFD and aerothermodynamic workflows.

• Design & Architecture Review: Evaluate and provide feedback on the architecture of high-performance physical models and numerical methods.

• Strategic Roadmapping: Assist engineering teams in identifying emerging trends and state-of-the-art techniques in M&S and computational physics to maintain a competitive technical edge.

• Mentorship & Collaboration: Serve as a sounding board for senior engineers and developers, helping to troubleshoot complex physical and algorithmic challenges.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a strictly related computational discipline.

• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of active, post-Ph.D. professional experience specifically focused on computational aerothermodynamics, M&S, and ML.

• Domain Expertise: Deep foundational knowledge of hypersonic and supersonic flows, high-temperature gas dynamics, and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

• Machine Learning Proficiency: Proven track record of applying machine learning, deep learning, or advanced statistical modeling to complex fluid dynamics or thermodynamic problems.

• Communication: Exceptional ability to distill complex theoretical concepts into actionable engineering guidance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with modern, high-performance software architecture, particularly the development of robust C++ libraries for CFD codes (e.g., providing complex gas properties).

• Experience with heterogeneous computing environments, including GPU acceleration and parallel programming models (e.g., OpenMP, CUDA, Kokkos).

• Deep knowledge of physics of high-enthalpy flows, including thermal radiation, chemical kinetics, and transport processes.

• History of peer-reviewed publications in relevant aerospace, physics, or computational science journals.

This position requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.