Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an aerothermal engineer to conduct research, design, and prototyping for next generation hypersonic and reentry systems. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced designs and prototypes, ensuring effectiveness in national defense systems.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field, along with experience in performing aerothermal analyses. A salary between $100,000 and $245,000 annually is offered based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems.
• Strong computer experience and programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop advanced reentry system designs.
• Develop thermal finite element models for aerodynamic heating.
• Support aerothermal ground test activities and data analysis.

Skills

Aerothermal analysis

Thermal protection systems

Programming (MATLAB)

Communication skills

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Initiative and drive

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CART3D

CFD++

Python

Linux Bash

Pointwise

Job description

Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping? Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of our Nation’s defenses to support next generation hypersonic and reentry systems? If so, we’re looking for an aerothermal engineer to help us perform research, development, design, analysis and prototyping of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies to advance our Nation's premiere strategic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you’ll be making critical contributions to develop these next generation systems and ensuring the enduring effectiveness of our Nation’s strategic deterrent.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop advanced reentry system designs and prototypes
• Develop and execute component and/or system-level thermal finite element models to evaluate trajectory-based aerodynamic heating and performance
• Perform TPS characterization, selection, and analyses of ablative TPS materials
• Support aerothermal ground test activities, including test design, test operations, and data analysis
• Conduct trade studies on vehicle TPS design concepts
• Assist in developing software tools for high-speed aerothermal analyses
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience in performing aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems
• Experience in thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation
• Strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites
• Initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission
• Effective in multi-disciplinary teams with APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance; U.S. citizenship required

Additional Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in vehicle system design and development with a focus on aerodynamics
• Experience with CART3D, CFD++, Kestrel, or other advanced CFD codes, and grid generation software such as Pointwise or ICEM CFD
• Programming skills in Linux Bash and/or Python, and experience with HPC and batch queuing systems
• Experience or knowledge in design or testing of hypersonic systems
• Experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles
• Active Secret or higher level clearance

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.

Minimum Rate: $100,000 annually. Maximum Rate: $245,000 annually.