Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2027 Graduate PhD - Thermal Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $245K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years hands-on thermal/aerothermal analysis experience
  • Strong understanding of vehicle-level thermal integration
  • Ability to translate complex engineering concepts into actionable recommendations
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge in related fields such as CFD, aerodynamics, structures, or materials science
  • U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Develop and validate models for high-temperature systems and thermal protection materials
  • Perform analysis to evaluate and guide decisions during the design cycle
  • Plan and execute ground tests to validate thermal and aerothermal models
  • Characterize material/system performance and support design verification
  • Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to solve critical engineering problems
  • Communicate effectively with APL partners and sponsors to guide programs towards success

Benefits

  • Supportive mission-oriented environment
  • Opportunities to work on a variety of aerospace programs
  • Collaborative team of engineers and scientists
  • Involvement in addressing national defense challenges
  • Ability to anticipate and prepare for future engineering challenges
Full Job Description
Description

We are seeking a thermal engineer to help us evaluate, develop, and test advanced target and interceptor flight systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy solving complicated problems in a supportive, mission-oriented environment where you'll contribute to a wide variety of aerospace programs. Our engineers and scientists collaborate closely to find solutions for challenging thermal environments such as in-silo rocket launch, thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, and turbulent combustion in detonation engines. Our sponsors mandate us to solve today's problems with the best methods available, but we strive to also look forward - to anticipate new engineering challenges and new opportunities.

As an engineer in the Hypersonic Thermal Design Section, you will...
  • Develop and validate thermal, aerothermal and material response models for high-temperature systems and thermal protection materials.
  • Perform analysis at varying levels of fidelity, using a range of tools, to evaluate and guide decisions during all phases of the design cycle for missile and related systems.
  • Plan and execute ground test activities to validate thermal and aerothermal models, characterize material/system performance, and support design verification and qualification.
  • Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to solve engineering problems critical to the nation's defense.
  • Help guide programs to successful outcomes with clear communication to APL partners and sponsors.


Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical area.
  • Have at least seven years of progressive, hands-on experience in thermal/aerothermal analyses supporting vehicle design and development.
  • Demonstrate understanding of vehicle-level thermal integration, including interface definition, requirements development, and design trade-offs.
  • Demonstrate ability to translate complex engineering concepts and results into clear, actionable recommendations and risk assessments.
  • Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Possess understanding of one or more related fields. These include but are not limited to computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, materials science, etc.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret 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.


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

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