PhD: Advanced Vehicle Design & Propulsion Innovator

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is seeking a PhD‑level engineer to join the Vehicle Design and Technologies Group, translating advanced research into national security programs. You will model aerodynamics, aerothermal effects, propulsion, and structural design; perform multi‑fidelity CFD analyses; guide wind tunnel tests; and help prototype future vehicles.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, and eligibility for U.S.

Qualifications

• Have a PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Experienced in aerodynamics, aerothermal, propulsion, thermal, or structural technologies.
• Outstanding communications and collaboration skills.
• Be able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by start date and ultimately Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Model aerodynamic characteristics of air-vehicle configurations and propulsion systems.
• Perform multi-fidelity CFD analyses for aerothermal design across flow regimes.
• Plan and execute ground tests and design models for wind tunnel and arcjet facilities; validate predictions with data.
• Design future conceptual vehicles and perform multidisciplinary system analysis.
• Optimize propulsion designs including inlet design and system integration.

Skills

PhD in aerospace engineering

Aerodynamics

Aerothermal

Propulsion

Structural design

Communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is seeking a PhD‑level engineer to join the Vehicle Design and Technologies Group, translating advanced research into national security programs. You will model aerodynamics, aerothermal effects, propulsion, and structural design; perform multi‑fidelity CFD analyses; guide wind tunnel tests; and help prototype future vehicles.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, and eligibility for U.S.