Research Engineer, Aerosol & Liquid Dispersion Systems
Rainmaker is pioneering a modern cloud seeding system to solve water scarcity and inclement weather problems. We develop and incorporate radar validation, weather-resistant UAS, numerical weather modeling, and sustainable cloud seeds into an effective precipitation enhancement solution.
The Engineering team at Rainmaker works on our UAS, dispersion payload, and in-situ/remote sensing systems. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast-paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in our operational system, this is a fantastic opportunity.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly hands-on Mechanical/Aerospace Research Engineer with deep expertise in aerosol science, multiphase flow, and compressible fluid dynamics. In this role, you will bridge the gap between cloud physics and high-performance fluid systems, designing hardware that utilizes high-velocity gas dynamics to both fragment nanoparticle agglomerates and atomize liquid precursors into submicron aerosols. You will tackle complex mechanical challenges to efficiently disperse cohesive dry powders and ultra-fine droplets, managing complex mass-transfer and particle/droplet momentum while strictly adhering to aerospace SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) constraints.
Key Responsibilities
High-Velocity Nozzle Design: Design, machine, and test custom Convergent-Divergent (Laval) nozzles to achieve controlled gas expansion for both liquid filament breakup and high-shear solid deagglomeration.
Multiphase Dispersion: Develop and optimize systems for the simultaneous or alternating dispersion of complex liquid aerosols and dry-powder "seeds" using high-velocity gas streams.
Hardware Prototyping: Build mechanical dry-powder micro-feeders, liquid delivery architectures, and aerosol generators from the ground up, utilizing high-pressure gas supply systems.
Fluid/Mechanical Architecture: Develop the pneumatic and fluidic routing systems (valves, regulators, and micro-...