Senior Hypersonic Propulsion Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Aerospace Propulsion Engineer to lead the design and analysis of hypersonic propulsion systems. You will apply high-fidelity CFD to scramjet/inlet/ combustor pathways and collaborate with sponsors and teams to deliver actionable results.

The role requires a strong background in scramjet/dual-mode ramjet design, CFD with finite-rate chemistry, and a track record of leadership and mentoring in a high‑stakes environment. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience or equivalent demonstrated through research.
• Direct experience designing or analyzing scramjet/dual-mode ramjet.
• Experience applying CFD to compressible reacting flows using finite-rate chemistry.
• Understand inlet, isolator, combustor, and nozzle performance and operability.
• Experience evaluating mesh quality and simulation credibility.
• Ability to frame unfamiliar problems and defend recommendations.
• Proficiency with Linux and programming; Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran, etc.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Eligible for Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of scramjet components.
• Apply high-fidelity CFD to reacting flows.
• Investigate shock trains, unstart, mixing, ignition, stability.
• Plan verification and mesh-sensitivity studies.
• Compare CFD with test data.
• Diagnose test/simulation issues and propose changes.
• Improve HPC workflows.
• Communicate conclusions to sponsors and teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring.

Skills

Scramjet design

Dual-mode ramjet design

CFD for reacting flows

Linux

Python

MATLAB

C++

Fortran

Strong communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD++

US3D

VULCAN-CFD

GridPro

Pointwise

Tecplot

Cantera

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Aerospace Propulsion Engineer to lead the design and analysis of hypersonic propulsion systems. You will apply high-fidelity CFD to scramjet/inlet/ combustor pathways and collaborate with sponsors and teams to deliver actionable results.

The role requires a strong background in scramjet/dual-mode ramjet design, CFD with finite-rate chemistry, and a track record of leadership and mentoring in a high‑stakes environment. U.S.