Hypersonic Reentry Aerothermal Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Aerothermal Engineer to lead research, design, analysis, and prototyping for next generation reentry and hypersonic systems. You will contribute to system-level objectives, collaborate across disciplines, and help deliver engineering solutions that advance mission capabilities.

You will perform thermal analyses, develop models, support ground testing, and communicate results to sponsors and partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline is required.
• Experience in aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems.
• Thermal material response analysis for TPS, including ablation.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB and general computing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willing to travel occasionally to partner sites and tests.
• Eligibility for U.S. government clearance (Secret or higher).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to design and prototype reentry systems.
• Develop finite element models to evaluate trajectory-based heating and performance.
• Perform TPS characterization, selection, and ablation analyses.
• Support aerothermal ground test design, operations, and data analysis.
• Conduct trade studies on TPS concepts for vehicle designs.
• Develop software tools for aerothermal analyses as needed.
• Produce reports and presentations communicating findings to team and sponsors.

Skills

MATLAB

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

CART3D

CFD++

Kestrel

Pointwise

ICEM CFD

Linux Bash

Python

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Aerothermal Engineer to lead research, design, analysis, and prototyping for next generation reentry and hypersonic systems. You will contribute to system-level objectives, collaborate across disciplines, and help deliver engineering solutions that advance mission capabilities.

You will perform thermal analyses, develop models, support ground testing, and communicate results to sponsors and partners.