Turbine Propulsion Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Turbine Propulsion Engineer with 3+ years of hands-on propulsion design, testing and analysis experience. You will lead modeling, experimental campaigns, and system-level assessments to support national defense missions.

You'll mentor junior engineers, present technical findings to sponsors, and contribute to advanced propulsion research, including air-breathing and hybrid concepts, across subsonic and transonic regimes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years in propulsion design or testing.
• Strong fundamentals in propulsion, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with propulsion modeling and simulation tools and independent delivery of results.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date and pursue Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion analysis and design efforts for low-speed applications, including cycle analysis and performance modeling.
• Plan and oversee wind tunnel tests, ground-based experiments and hardware evaluations.
• Develop and validate propulsion system models for design trades and system-level assessments.
• Mental junior engineers and provide guidance on propulsion fundamentals and experimentation.
• Present findings to sponsors, stakeholders and leadership; contribute to research initiatives.

Skills

Propulsion design

Modeling & analysis

Mentoring

Subsonic/Transonic focus

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NPSS

CFD codes

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Description

Are you interested in the development and evaluation of low-speed propulsion?

Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a complementary team of engineers?

We are seeking an experienced Turbine Propulsion Engineer with 3+ years of hands‑on experience in propulsion system design, testing, and analysis. In this role, you will lead and contribute to the development, modeling, and experimental evaluation of propulsion concepts operating in subsonic and transonic regimes.

You’ll serve as a technical contributor and mentor, providing subject‑matter expertise in propulsion fundamentals while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems that directly support national defense missions.

As a Turbine Propulsion Engineer, you will:

• Lead propulsion analysis and design efforts for low-speed applications, including cycle analysis, performance modeling, and integration studies.
• Design, plan, and oversee experimental campaigns, including wind tunnel tests, ground-based propulsion experiments, and hardware evaluations.
• Develop, refine, and validate propulsion system models for use in design trades and system-level assessments.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance in propulsion fundamentals and experimental best practices.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to sponsors, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Contribute to innovative research initiatives in advanced propulsion technologies, air‑breathing systems, and hybrid propulsion concepts.
• Utilize propulsion modeling tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of various weapon systems.

• Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in propulsion system design, analysis, or testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in propulsion fundamentals, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with propulsion modeling and simulation tools (e.g., NPSS, CFD codes, MATLAB, Python).
• Strong track record of delivering technical results independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to brief sponsors and document results.
• 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience leading propulsion test campaigns, including facility coordination, test article design, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with multiple propulsion speed regimes to include solid rocket motors, ramjets and scramjets.
• Working knowledge of uncertainty quantification, experimental methods, and system-level trade studies.
• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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].

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