Fluid Dynamics Analyst
Stoke Space
IT
Kent, WA, USA
USD 144,100-312,200 / year + Equity
Posted on Oct 29, 2025
At Stoke, we believe that a thriving space economy leads to a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we are building our fully and rapidly reusable vehicle, Nova. It is designed to fly daily and solve the core challenges of space transportation – it reduces cost, increases availability, and enhances reliability. By radically lowering the cost and increasing the cadence of launch, we’re able to create a truly scalable space industry.
Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered with ownership of their work. If you want to work with some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, come join us.
Description
Reusable launch systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. As a Fluid Dynamics Analyst at Stoke, you will be responsible for developing fluid dynamics models that provide key insights into the performance of our critical systems. This role will have the opportunity to directly impact how we model and design our reusable stages and engines through the development of analysis methods and tools, and performing analysis of critical systems. You will work closely with other engineers throughout Stoke to accomplish these objectives. As part of a small, well-supported team, you will have access to the resources you need to get the job done right while simultaneously boosting your skills at a pace that can’t be matched in most other roles. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.
Responsibilities
- Build fluid dynamics models, including geometry simplification and gridding of complex geometries
- Perform and interpret fluid dynamics analysis of launch vehicles and components, ranging from simple hand calculations to CFD as appropriate
- Provide recommendations to other engineering teams based on these analyses
- Develop analysis templates for use by other engineers and mentor junior engineers
- Develop analysis processes, especially for re-entry aerodynamics and engine component analysis
- Document the results of analyses to support reviews and provide inputs to other teams
Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 7+ years of experience in aerospace fluid dynamics
- Demonstrated expertise with fluid dynamics analysis, including CFD
- Prior experience with either re-entry aerodynamics OR rocket engine fluid dynamics
- Experience with industry-standard CFD codes such as Star CCM+
- Programming experience in either Python or Matlab
- Strong fundamentals in fluid dynamics analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Prior work on launch vehicles or liquid fueled rocket engine components
- Exposure to re-entry environments and related analysis codes (such as DPLR, LAURA)
Benefits
- Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
- Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
- Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
- Paid Family/Parental Leave
- On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)
- Dog friendly offices!
Compensation
Target Levels:
- Level 4 Range: $144,100 - $240,100
- Level 5 Range: $168,100 - $312,200
Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.
Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.
Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.
Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job.
E-Verify
Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.