Job Description

Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?

Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of our Nation’s defenses to support next generation hypersonic and reentry systems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an aerothermal engineer to help us perform research, development, design, analysis and prototyping of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies to advance our Nation's premiere strategic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you’ll be making critical contributions to develop these next generation systems, ensuring the enduring effectiveness of our Nation’s strategic deterrent. You will be joining a collaborative and diverse team of engineers who work together to provide impactful solutions to system level objectives and challenges. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging challenging work and supporting continued learning and development. We strive to foster a welcoming environment of collaboration and inclusion where everyone feels heard, valued, and free to be themselves.

As a Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer…

• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop advanced reentry system designs and prototypes
• Develop and execute component and/or system-level thermal finite element models to evaluate trajectory-based aerodynamic heating and performance
• Lead TPS characterization, selection, and analyses of ablative TPS materials
• Support aerothermal ground test activities, including test design, test operations, and data analysis.
• Lead trade studies on vehicle TPS design concepts
• As needed, assist in developing software tools for high-speed aerothermal analyses
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• Have 5+ years of experience in performing aerothermal analyses on complex hypersonic systems to characterize aerothermal heating to a system; perform thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation.
• Have strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB
• Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites
• Have initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission
• Can work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams comprised of APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners with varying experience levels and backgrounds
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in vehicle system design and development with a focus on aerodynamics.
• Have experience with CART3D, CFD++, Kestrel, or other advanced CFD codes, as well as experience in grid generation using Pointwise, ICEM CFD, or similar software.
• Have programming skills in Linux Bash (or similar) and/or Python and have experience with High Performance Clusters and batch queuing systems (PBS, Slurm, etc.)
• Have experience or knowledge in design or testing of hypersonics systems
• Have experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles
• Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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