Sr. Systems Engineer

North Wind is a leading independent supplier of complex hypersonic and Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) systems and services. Leveraging decades of specialized experience, North Wind delivers hypersonic and RDT&E capabilities through five complementary business segments: Applied R Test Articles and Critical System Components; Test Facility Design & Build; Test Services; Flight Testing & Flight Systems. The Company’s offerings span the full life cycle of aerospace & defense and commercial systems, including end-to-end turnkey solutions. Learn more at www.north-wind.com.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Systems Engineer to join our team, focusing on the design, development, and optimization of hypersonic test facilities. This position involves the integration of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and other Digital Engineering practices to enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of advanced hypersonic systems. The ideal candidate will have strong technical leadership experience with a background in systems engineering, MBSE, digital modeling, and simulation techniques, with a keen interest in hypersonic technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Hypersonic Test Facility Design and Integration:
  • Design, develop, and optimize test facilities for hypersonic systems, including wind tunnels, propulsion test beds, and other relevant test environments.
  • Integrate advanced hypersonic testing methodologies, equipment, and systems into facility design and operation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers) to ensure test facilities meet all functional and operational requirements.
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE):
  • Apply MBSE methodologies to define, model, and simulate system architectures for hypersonic test facilities.
  • Develop and manage digital models of test facility systems, including structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical components, to enhance decision-making and performance validation.
  • Utilize MBSE tools (such as SysML, MagicDraw, or Cameo Systems Modeler) to ensure seamless integration between the various subsystems of the test facility.
• Digital Engineering and Simulation:
  • Leverage Digital Engineering practices (including simulation-based design, virtual testing, and digital twins) to optimize facility design and testing.
  • Collaborate with simulation teams to create detailed models and simulations for performance analysis of hypersonic test articles and facilities.
  • Integrate high-fidelity models and simulations to predict real-world performance under hypersonic test conditions.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Prepare comprehensive technical reports, validation plans, and design documentation, ensuring that all activities comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain clear documentation of MBSE models, simulations, and test results for project reviews and audits.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance the performance and efficiency of the test facility design and operation.
  • Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in hypersonic technologies, MBSE, and Digital Engineering tools.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Education:
  1. Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience:
  1. 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, with a focus on aerospace, hypersonic systems, or test facility design.
  2. Demonstrated experience applying MBSE methodologies (e.g., SysML, UML, and model-based design).
  3. Experience in the integration of Digital Engineering practices, including simulation-based design, virtual testing, and digital twins.
  4. Hands-on experience with hypersonic test facilities, such as wind tunnels, shock tubes, or combustion testing.
• Skills and Competencies:
  1. Strong proficiency with MBSE tools (e.g., MagicDraw, Cameo, Enterprise Architect, or similar tools).
  2. Proficiency in systems modeling, analysis, and simulation techniques.
  3. Deep understanding of hypersonic testing principles and associated technologies.
  4. Familiarity with control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems used in test environments.
  5. Experience with high-fidelity simulations and software tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, COMSOL, or similar).
  6. Ability to perform complex systems analysis and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
  7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Preferred:
  1. Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for hypersonic flow regimes.
  2. Background in thermal analysis and thermal management for hypersonic systems.
  3. Experience with agile development processes and collaborative tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
  4. Familiarity with government regulations and industry standards related to aerospace and hypersonic testing (e.g., FAA, NASA, ISO).

Due to U.S. State Department restrictions on access to technology, candidates must be “U.S. Persons” as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports a safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.