Aerodynamic Separation Simulation - Intern

This is a summer internship focused on supporting high‑fidelity simulation, modelling, and analysis of the Aerodynamic Separation Process (ASP) used for isotope enrichment. The intern will contribute to CFD and related modelling activities for high‑speed compressible and rarefied gas flows, working closely with the simulation and experimental teams to help understand and improve ASP device performance. The role is designed as a hands‑on learning opportunity, providing exposure to advanced flow physics, numerical methods, and simulation best practices in a fast‑paced development environment. This position is based in Austin, TX, with potential flexibility for limited remote work depending on project needs.

• Solid understanding of fluid mechanics, with coursework in compressible flow and/or high‑speed aerodynamics; exposure to rarefied gas dynamics is a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in setting up, running, and interpreting high‑fidelity simulations for complex internal flows, including experience with commercial and/or open‑source CFD tools and supporting analysis environments (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Basic understanding of transport theory and kinetic descriptions of gases (e.g., Boltzmann/GBE‑based approaches, DSMC, or gas‑kinetic schemes) and their practical approximation within engineering CFD frameworks.
• Experience using experimental data to validate, benchmark, and calibrate models, close modeling gaps, and refine test objectives is a plus.
• Understanding and experience applying verification and validation principles and uncertainty quantification methods.
• Excellent problem‑solving, optimization, and systems‑thinking skills, with demonstrated experience in using simulations to drive design changes that materially improve hardware or process performance.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate modeling assumptions, limitations, and risk implications to diverse audiences.
• Experience with Star-CCM+ or other relevant codes a plus.
• Current involvement in a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, with a strong emphasis on fluid mechanics and/or high‑speed flows.
• Prior project, research, or coursework experience involving CFD, high‑speed or compressible flows, or rarefied gas dynamics is strongly preferred but not strictly required.
• Experience working with experimental data (e.g., lab courses or research projects) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to complete technical projects independently and present results clearly (e.g., class projects, design teams, or research).

• Assist in setting up, running, and post‑processing CFD and related simulations of ASP enrichment systems, under the guidance of senior simulation engineers.
• Support geometry preparation, meshing, boundary‑condition definition, and basic model configuration for simulations involving high‑speed, compressible, and rarefied gas flows.
• Help implement and document simulation best practices, including model assumptions, numerical settings, and basic checks for solution quality and convergence.
• Contribute to comparisons between simulation results and experimental data, helping to organize datasets and generate plots or simple analyzes for verification and validation activities.
• Participate in simulation‑based parametric studies to understand the impact of key design and operational parameters on flow structure and separation performance.
• Prepare clear figures, short technical notes, and slide content that summarize methods and results for internal reviews.
• Collaborate with experimentalists, process engineers, and other interns to ensure simulation tasks are aligned with active test campaigns and broader technical priorities.
• Other duties that may be assigned from time to time.