Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$100K — $245K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Experience in aerothermal analyses for hypersonic or reentry systems
  • Knowledge of thermal protection systems including ablation analysis
  • Strong skills in programming and computer operations, particularly MATLAB
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness to travel for work-related purposes
  • Proven initiative to contribute critically to mission objectives

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and prototype advanced reentry systems
  • Develop thermal finite element models for analyzing aerodynamic heating
  • Characterize and analyze ablative thermal protection system materials
  • Support ground test activities including test design and data analysis
  • Conduct trade studies on thermal protection designs
  • Assist in creating software tools for aerothermal analysis
  • Prepare reports and presentations for diverse stakeholders

Benefits

  • Commitment to professional growth and learning
  • Opportunity to work on innovative projects in defense
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • Engagement in impactful defense missions
  • Access to cutting-edge technology in hypersonic systems
Full Job Description
Description

Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?

Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of our Nation's defenses to support 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 enabling technologies to advance our Nation's premiere strategic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to develop these next generation systems, ensuring the enduring effectiveness of our Nation's strategic deterrent. 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 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 high-speed 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 Master's degree 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 a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in vehicle system design and development with a focus on aerodynamics.
  • 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 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

$100,000 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 Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer jobs: