Aerospace Propulsion Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Aerospace Propulsion Engineer to lead the design and analysis of hypersonic propulsion systems. You will apply high-fidelity CFD to scramjet/inlet/ combustor pathways and collaborate with sponsors and teams to deliver actionable results.

The role requires a strong background in scramjet/dual-mode ramjet design, CFD with finite-rate chemistry, and a track record of leadership and mentoring in a high‑stakes environment. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience or equivalent demonstrated through research.
• Direct experience designing or analyzing scramjet/dual-mode ramjet.
• Experience applying CFD to compressible reacting flows using finite-rate chemistry.
• Understand inlet, isolator, combustor, and nozzle performance and operability.
• Experience evaluating mesh quality and simulation credibility.
• Ability to frame unfamiliar problems and defend recommendations.
• Proficiency with Linux and programming; Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, etc.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Eligible for Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of scramjet components.
• Apply high-fidelity CFD to reacting flows.
• Investigate shock trains, unstart, mixing, ignition, stability.
• Plan verification and mesh-sensitivity studies.
• Compare CFD with test data.
• Diagnose test/simulation issues and propose changes.
• Improve HPC workflows.
• Communicate conclusions to sponsors and teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring.

Skills

Scramjet design

Dual-mode ramjet design

CFD for reacting flows

Linux

Python

MATLAB

C++

Fortran

Strong communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD++

US3D

VULCAN-CFD

GridPro

Pointwise

Tecplot

Cantera

Job description

Description

Are you excited to help shape the future of hypersonic propulsion and solve some of the nation's most challenging aerospace engineering problems? Do you want to tackle hypersonic propulsion challenges where the answers aren't already known?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a Senior Aerospace Propulsion Engineer with expertise in scramjet or dual-mode ramjet design and high-fidelity modeling. You will support critical U.S. Department of Defense programs by designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting advanced hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems. The successful candidate will recognize the governing physics, frame ambiguous technical problems, select and defend appropriate analysis methods, and turn incomplete or conflicting evidence into actionable recommendations.

As an APL Senior Aerospace Propulsion Engineer, you will

• Lead the design and analysis of integrated scramjet inlet, isolator, combustor, and nozzle flowpaths.
• Apply high-fidelity CFD with finite-rate chemistry to compressible reacting-flow problems.
• Investigate phenomena such as shock trains, unstart, fuel-air mixing, ignition, flameholding, combustion stability, thermal choking, and propulsion-airframe interaction.
• Plan and assess verification, validation, mesh-sensitivity, and model-sensitivity studies.
• Compare computational predictions with ground-test, flight-test, and lower-order analysis results.
• Diagnose unexpected test or simulation behavior and recommend design, analysis, or test changes.
• Improve computational, meshing, post-processing, and high-performance-computing workflows.
• Communicate conclusions to Government sponsors, industry partners, and technical teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other engineers.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Have five or more years of relevant experience, or equivalent expertise demonstrated through advanced research and technical accomplishments.
• Have direct experience designing or analyzing scramjet, dual-mode ramjet, or related high-speed propulsion flowpaths.
• Have substantial experience applying CFD to compressible reacting flows using finite-rate chemistry.
• Understand integrated inlet, isolator, combustor, and nozzle performance and operability.
• Have experience evaluating mesh quality, numerical convergence, modeling assumptions, and simulation credibility.
• Can independently frame unfamiliar technical problems, challenge assumptions, and develop defensible recommendations.
• Have experience with Linux and technical programming or scripting using Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, or similar languages.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security 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

• Possess an advanced degree in hypersonic propulsion, combustion, compressible flow, or computational fluid dynamics.
• Have led an integrated scramjet or dual-mode ramjet design or analysis effort.
• Have experience with scale-resolving reacting-flow simulations such as LES or hybrid RANS/LES.
• Have correlated CFD with direct-connect, free-jet, wind-tunnel, or flight-test data.
• Have experience with uncertainty quantification, design optimization, solver development, MPI, or GPU computing.
• Have experience with relevant tools such as CFD++, US3D, VULCAN-CFD, GridPro, Pointwise, Tecplot, Cantera, or equivalent tools.
• Have an active Secret clearance.

About Us

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.

Why Work at APL?

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives 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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually