Principal Engineer

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services.

CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee‑owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at

Job Description

We are looking for a Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership on high-speed/supersonic/hypersonic testing. This role will utilize broad engineering expertise including knowledge of ground testing, hypersonics, propulsion, fluid dynamics, high temperature flow, and high-speed systems/sub‑systems. Work performed will include support to hardware development, prototyping, and testing in Hollywood, AL. The ideal candidate has experience leading teams, collaborating across disciplines, and driving technical excellence. While this position is not anticipated to directly supervise personnel, the position is expected to provide technical perspective and guidance to a wide range of engineering disciplines and projects/programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of high-speed/supersonic/hypersonic testing engineering experience
• Strong knowledge of ground test, propulsion, fluid dynamics, high temperature flow, and high-speed systems/sub‑systems
• Proven ability to lead teams and mentor engineers
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering
• Familiarity with ASME, NIST, MIL‑STD, or NASA standards
• Cross‑disciplinary knowledge of electrical controls systems and piping systems
• Proficiency with interpreting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) results
• Experience in combustion
• Experience in ramjet/scramjet, rotating detonation engines, etc.

Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and have ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Location

This role is based in Huntsville, AL with occasional travel to the Hollywood, AL area and is 100% onsite.

Benefits

• CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• CFD Research offers our Full‑Time, permanent employee‑owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long‑term and short‑term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Part‑Time and Temporary employee‑owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level.
• Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements.
• In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories