Airbreathing Propulsion Engineer

Description

Are you interested in developing the skills needed to solve challenging hypersonic propulsion problems?

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

We are seeking an Aerospace Propulsion Engineer with strong technical fundamentals and an interest in scramjet propulsion and high-fidelity modeling. You will work with experienced engineers to design, analyze, and evaluate advanced hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs.

We are looking for someone who is curious, learns quickly, questions assumptions, and wants to understand why a result occurs rather than simply following an established process.

As an APL Aerospace Propulsion Engineer, you will:

• Support the design and analysis of scramjet inlet, isolator, combustor, and nozzle flowpaths.
• Apply CFD to compressible and reacting-flow problems.
• Create and evaluate computational meshes for internal-flow and integrated-vehicle geometries.
• Execute and post-process simulations using finite-rate chemistry and appropriate physical models.
• Examine mesh sensitivity, numerical convergence, boundary conditions, and modeling assumptions.
• Compare computational results with experimental data, analytical results, and engineering models.
• Investigate unexpected results and develop possible physical explanations.
• Build scripts and workflows for simulation setup, data processing, and visualization.
• Document and present your methods, assumptions, results, and conclusions.
• Take increasing ownership of technical problems as your experience develops.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Have a strong foundation in fluid mechanics, compressible flow, thermodynamics, combustion, numerical methods, or CFD.
• Have applied computational methods through employment, research, internships, laboratory work, or substantial academic projects.
• Have familiarity with CFD, including meshes, boundary conditions, numerical methods, and physical models.
• Have an interest in scramjet, dual-mode ramjet, or other high-speed propulsion systems.
• Have basic experience with Linux and a programming or scripting language such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or Fortran.
• Can work through unfamiliar problems, ask productive questions, and assess whether an answer is physically credible.
• Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
• Are motivated to learn and can work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret 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...

• Possess a master's degree focused on propulsion, combustion, compressible flow, hypersonics, or CFD.
• Have one to three years of relevant professional, internship, or research experience.
• Have worked on scramjets, ramjets, rocket propulsion, reacting flows, or high-speed aerodynamics.
• Have applied CFD to compressible or reacting flows using finite-rate chemistry.
• Have performed mesh-refinement, sensitivity, verification, or validation studies.
• Have compared computational results with experimental or analytical data.
• Have introductory experience with LES, hybrid RANS/LES, high-performance computing, or automated simulation workflows.
• Have experience with relevant CFD, meshing, post-processing, or combustion-analysis tools.
• Have an active Secret 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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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