Senior Aerospace Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Educational assistance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking an experienced Aerodynamics Engineer to perform applied computational analysis using CFD packages, simulating flight environments for missiles and aircraft.

Your role will involve conducting high-fidelity CFD simulations, collaborating with experts, and developing aerodynamic models. The ideal candidate should have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic analysis.

Generous benefits include educational assistance, retirement contributions, and a robust work/life balance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic analysis of missile systems.
• Proven track record of vehicle aerodynamic analysis and design.
• Strong background in computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-fidelity CFD simulations for various flight regimes.
• Plan and conduct wind tunnel tests to generate aerodynamic databases.
• Document results in technical memoranda and present findings.

Skills

Commercial CFD software packages

Computational fluid dynamics

MATLAB

Aerodynamic analysis

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD++

US3D

Kestrel

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about ground breaking aero‑and aerothermodynamics—studying rockets, missiles, drones, and hypersonic systems?

Do you thrive in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment with experts with an array of backgrounds?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are looking for an experienced engineer to drive aerodynamic analysis across multiple flight regimes and navigate the toughest challenges in missile‑defense technology. In this role you will:

• Conduct high‑fidelity CFD simulations for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic configurations—from launch through termination.
• Contribute to the creation and validation of aerodynamic models, supporting flight‑test campaigns and wind‑tunnel programs for next‑generation missile and aircraft designs.
• Collaborate daily alongside aerodynamics experts who are passionate about pioneering research and dedicated to strengthening our nation’s defense capabilities.

If you thrive on solving complex problems in a fast paced, innovative environment, this is the chance to create real impact. Join the forefront of national defense innovation at APL!

As an Aerodynamics Engineer

• Your primary responsibility will be to perform applied computational analysis using commercial CFD software packages to simulate the flight environments of various vehicles including missiles, aircraft, and drones during launch, boost, midcourse, and glide portions of trajectories.
• You will plan, conduct, and direct wind tunnel tests and perform post-test analysis to generate high‑fidelity aerodynamic databases for incorporation into six‑DOF simulations.
• You will manipulate and modify CAD for use in mesh generation, and you will generate numerical grids to handle the large‑scale simulation of several complex air vehicles.
• You will analyze and validate CFD predictions with flight test data and literature.
• You will document results in technical memoranda and papers; present findings and provide expert opinion in technical interchange meetings.
• You will interact with project managers, sponsors, contractors, and other APL staff to establish and maintain relationships and to provide critical contributions.

Qualifications

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic analysis of missile systems.
• Shown ability to leverage commercial CFD packages (CFD++, US3D, or Kestrel) to drive design decisions, program recommendations and push the state‑of‑the‑art.
• Have a proven track record of vehicle aerodynamic analysis and design; including aerodynamic stability and control.
• Have a strong background in computational fluid dynamics, grid generation, hypersonic flows, wind tunnel testing, and aerodynamic model development.
• Have experience coding and using MATLAB scripts and functions.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be a highly dynamic, self‑starter with strong organization skills and willing to set program direction.
• Have experience in aerothermodynamics, rocket and air‑breathing engines, and/or engine plume analysis.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Benefits

Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust educational assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. 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].