Lead MDAO Engineer - Weapon Performance

The role

Lead multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) efforts that connect aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and GNC into vehicle-level trade studies for air-launched effects, tactical interceptors, and next-generation munitions. Set technical direction for MDAO, mentor engineers, and work with Systems Engineering to support reliable performance.

What you will do

• Lead MDAO efforts coupling aerodynamics, structures, propulsion and trajectory models into vehicle-level trade studies and sizing.
• Establish shared MDAO methods, tools and documentation with the Weapons Performance team.
• Develop automated workflows integrating CAD, CFD, FEA and simulation outputs into optimization loops.
• Author and maintain architecture documentation for the MDAO toolset.
• Set up tasking workflows and development pipelines in standard developer tools such as Git, CI/CD and issue tracking.
• Incorporate feedback from Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion and GNC engineers into toolset prioritization.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses balancing performance, cost, schedule and manufacturability.
• Validate MDAO-driven designs against wind tunnel, ground test and flight test data, and lead root-cause investigations.
• Support RFI/RFP proposal responses and new program capture with early vehicle sizing and feasibility assessments.
• Mentor engineers across disciplines and present findings at PDR and CDR reviews.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field; Master's typical, though exceptional applied experience can substitute.
• 10+ years performing and leading multidisciplinary design, analysis and optimization in an applied, program-driven environment.
• Experience carrying an MDAO effort through to real hardware on at least one program of record.
• Experience with MDAO frameworks and methods such as OpenMDAO, ModelCenter/Phoenix Integration or custom pipelines.
• Experience building validation libraries and writing unit tests for MDAO code and workflows.
• Familiarity implementing MDAO frameworks into the digital thread, including tools such as Cameo.
• Programming or scripting proficiency in Python, MATLAB or similar; C++ is a plus.
• Understanding of running and troubleshooting MDAO workloads on distributed computing systems such as HPC clusters.
• Experience with version control such as Git or SVN.
• Hands-on experience working alongside real flight hardware.
• Familiarity integrating CAD, CFD and FEA toolchains into a common vehicle-level workflow.
• Experience generating 6-DOF trajectory or flight simulation models.

Nice to have

• Programming proficiency in C++.
• Experience presenting technical results at design reviews and supporting proposal and capture efforts.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, with more options available
• 401k with company match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays
• Innovative environment working on cutting-edge defense and aerospace technology
• Collaborative culture
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

Before you apply

• Must obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR regulations.
• Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States; the employer uses E-Verify.

About the company

Zone 5 Technologies develops precision weapons, interceptors and unmanned aircraft systems for the United States and its allies. The company is a federal contractor.