Lead Hypersonic Reentry Aerodynamics Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks an aerodynamicist to design and prototype next‑gen reentry systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will lead CFD analyses, contribute to wind tunnel plans, and develop modeling software to inform concept trades.

This role requires a Master’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering, 3+ years CFD experience, and the ability to obtain Secret/Top Secret clearance; collaboration across government sponsors, military, and industry partners is

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3+ years CFD simulations of hypersonic systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Linux Bash and/or Python.
• Experience with HPC clusters and batch queuing systems.
• Experience with advanced CFD codes and grid generation tools.
• Strong communication skills.
• Initiative and drive to contribute to an important mission.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams with varied backgrounds.
• Eligible for U.S. security clearance (Secret/Top Secret) and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑discipline teams to develop advanced reentry system designs and prototypes.
• Use CFD tools to model aerodynamic characteristics of hypersonic and reentry systems to inform concept design and evaluate performance.
• Enhance and develop modeling software capabilities.
• Lead trade studies on vehicle design concepts.
• Support Wind Tunnel testing activities including planning, execution, and post-test analysis.
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external partners, and government sponsors.

Skills

CFD simulations

MATLAB

Python

Bash

HPC clusters

PBS/Slurm

US3D/CFD++/Kestrel

Pointwise/ICEM CFD

Communication

Teamwork

Security clearance

US citizenship

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

US3D

DPLR

CART3D

CFD++

Kestrel

Pointwise

ICEM CFD

PBS

Slurm

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks an aerodynamicist to design and prototype next‑gen reentry systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will lead CFD analyses, contribute to wind tunnel plans, and develop modeling software to inform concept trades.

This role requires a Master’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering, 3+ years CFD experience, and the ability to obtain Secret/Top Secret clearance; collaboration across government sponsors, military, and industry partners is