Aerothermal Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Education assistance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks an engineer to enhance capabilities in hypersonic aerothermal analysis. This role involves applying CFD methods to analyze high-speed flow phenomena and supporting advanced weapon systems development.

Ideal candidates will hold a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, possess over 5 years of relevant experience, and have strong communication skills. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, and the pay range is competitive based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in CFD simulations and aerothermal predictions.
• Experience with wind tunnel tests and thermal protection systems.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct aerothermal analyses for hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Apply CFD and multi-physics models to predict thermal loads.
• Support design and maturation of thermal protection systems.
• Plan and conduct wind tunnel tests, perform post-test analysis.
• Create reports and presentations to share results.

Skills

CFD simulations

Aerothermodynamics

MATLAB

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

CFD++

Python

Grid generation tools

Job description

Job Overview

Are you searching for impactful aerothermal work furthering innovative technologies, especially in the area of hypersonics? Do you enjoy working with a team of forward-thinking engineers to improve our capability to predict advanced high-speed flow phenomena? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an engineer to design and analyze aerothermal capabilities of new and existing precision engagement weapon systems. As a member of our team, you will contribute to exciting projects supporting several sponsors, including the U.S. Department of War (DoW). Your work will involve developing, applying, and maintaining deep expertise in aerothermodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and ground and flight testing. You will work alongside experts who have a real passion for conducting research to advance our country's capabilities.

Responsibilities

• You will conduct aerothermal analyses for hypersonic flight vehicles operating in high-temperature, high-enthalpy flow environments.
• You will apply high-fidelity CFD and multi-physics models to predict aerodynamic heating, boundary layer transition, shock interactions, and aerothermal loads.
• You will support the design, evaluation, and maturation of thermal protection systems (TPS), high-temperature materials, and thermal management technologies.
• You will analyze aerothermal interactions associated with air-breathing and rocket-based hypersonic propulsion systems.
• You will plan and conduct wind tunnel tests and perform post-test analysis. You will support associated test activities including pre-test predictions, test design, instrumentation requirements, and documentation.
• You will craft reports and presentations to communicate results to team members and government partners.

Qualifications

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Have 5+ years of experience in conducting CFD simulations, running wind tunnel tests, or analyzing and developing aerothermal predictions.
• Have prior experience coding and using MATLAB scripts and functions.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or tests at other government and contractor sites.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Additional Qualifications

• Have a M.S. or Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in weapon system design and development with a focus on aerothermodynamics.
• Have experience with CFD++, US3D, Kestrel, or other advanced DoW or commercial CFD codes, as well as experience generating high-quality CFD meshes using Pointwise, Link3D, GridPro, or other grid generation tool.
• Have strong programming skills in Bash (or similar shell) and/or Python.
• Have shown initiative, motivation, and flexibility.

Benefits and Compensation

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

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].