Aerothermal Engineer (Defense)

TL;DR

Aerothermal Engineer (Defense): Designing and optimizing thermal management systems for autonomous UAV platforms with an accent on aerothermal simulation, heat transfer, and experimental validation. Focus on managing the full thermal cycle from initial design and CFD simulation to wind tunnel and flight test correlation.

Location: On-site in Lausanne, Switzerland

Company

Next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems.

What you will do

• Define thermal management architecture, including cooling inlet design, heat shield placement, and exhaust routing.
• Conduct thermal-fluid CFD simulations using tools like OpenFOAM to model heat transfer on internal components and external surfaces.
• Perform iterative aerothermal optimization to minimize thermal drag and maximize cooling efficiency.
• Design and execute wind tunnel experiments and in-flight thermal measurement campaigns.
• Lead post-test data analysis and correlate experimental results with simulation predictions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with aerodynamics, propulsion, mechanical, and GNC teams to ensure system reliability.

Requirements

• Degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical grounding in convective, conductive, and radiative heat transfer and boundary layer theory.
• Hands-on proficiency with CFD solvers such as OpenFOAM, Star-CCM+, or ANSYS Fluent/CFX.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing thermal measurement campaigns (wind tunnel or in-flight).
• Ability to script data processing pipelines and automate simulation post-processing using Python.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with external aerodynamics (lift, drag, and flow separation) for fixed-wing or multirotor UAVs.
• Hands-on experience building, flying, or tuning RC aircraft or drones.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work on mission-critical systems with real-world impact for allied forces.
• High-performance R&D environment that values rigor, ownership, and technical excellence.
• Engagement with the hardest technical challenges in the field of autonomous defense.