Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 PhD Graduate - Aerothermal Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $245K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Experience in aerothermal analyses for hypersonic or reentry systems
  • Knowledge of thermal material response analysis for thermal protection systems, including ablation
  • Proficient with MATLAB and strong programming skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities
  • Willingness to travel for tests and meetings
  • Initiative to contribute to critical missions
  • Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Secret level security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with teams to design and prototype advanced reentry systems
  • Develop and execute thermal finite element models for aerodynamic heating
  • Characterize and analyze ablative thermal protection system materials
  • Support aerothermal ground test activities, including operations and data analysis
  • Conduct trade studies on TPS design concepts
  • Assist in developing software tools for hypervelocity aerothermal analyses
  • Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings effectively

Benefits

  • Engaging and challenging work environment
  • Support for continued learning and development
  • Opportunities for teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting
  • Contributions to innovative technologies in hypersonics
  • Impactful work that supports national security initiatives
Full Job Description
Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?

Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the performance and efficacy of next generation hypersonic and reentry systems?

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

We are seeking an aerothermal engineer to help us perform research, development, design, analysis and prototyping of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and their enabling technologies . As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to the rapid advancement of these next generation systems, ensuring their mission effectiveness. You will be joining a complementary team of engineers who work together to provide impactful solutions to system level objectives and challenges. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging challenging work and supporting continued learning and development.

As a Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer...
  • 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 Thermal Protection System (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.
  • As needed, assist in developing software tools for hypervelocity aerothermal analyses.
  • Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors.


Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Have experience in performing aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems.
  • Have experience in thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation.
  • Have strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB
  • Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites
  • Have initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission
  • Can work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams comprised of APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners with varying experience levels and backgrounds
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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...
  • Have experience with CART3D, CFD++, Kestrel, or other advanced CFD codes, as well as experience in grid generation using Pointwise, ICEM CFD, or similar software.
  • Have experience with heat conduction and ablations solvers such as CHAR
  • Have programming skills in Linux Bash (or similar) and/or Python and have experience with High Performance Clusters and batch queuing systems (PBS, Slurm, etc.)
  • Have experience or knowledge in design or testing of hypersonics systems
  • Have experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles
  • Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar 2026 PhD Graduate - Aerothermal Engineer jobs: