2024 PhD Graduate - Aerospace and Thermal Engineering - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving the critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members?  Are you interested in tackling the design challenges associated with extreme speed and intense heat?

If so, then you are exactly the type of candidate we are looking for!  We are seeking highly motivated teammates to join our dynamic group of engineers and scientists.  As part of our diverse team you will work in a highly collaborative and engaging environment.

We are currently looking for candidates to join the Aerospace & Thermal Engineering group that have expertise in:

• Aerodynamics, aeroacoustics & computational fluid dynamics
• Wind tunnel testing; in-silo, restrained fire, and flight testing of rocket motors
• Reacting multi-phase flows, non-equilibrium flows & fluid/structure interactions
• Combustion, thermochemistry, ablation & surface chemistry
• Thermal & aerothermal analysis, design and test
• Multi-waveband sensor modeling & scene generation
• Software architecture, GPU computing & physics-based algorithm development

Our engineers and scientists collaborate closely to find solutions for challenging thermal environments – thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, in-silo rocket launch, missile staging, turbulent combustion in detonation engines, and the first fractions of a second after intercept impact. At the opposite extreme, we have worked on spacecraft, lunar infrastructure, and systems deployed in Antarctica. All of these environments create challenges not only in thermal and aerodynamic design and testing, but also in predictive modeling.

Our computational physicists, software architects and high performance computing experts are continually evolving state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities to guide design, prototype development and testing of kinetic weapons systems. They are at the cutting edge of scene and signature generation in simulating performance of the infrared, optical and radio frequency sensors that detect such systems.

Our sponsors mandate us to solve today’s problems with the best methods available today, but we strive to also look forward - to anticipate new engineering challenges and new opportunities. Our group sustains an energetic community of innovators. Current efforts include work in rotating detonation engine technology development, new thermal protection system materials, electric propulsion for space applications, and spatiotemporal methods for GPU-based modeling of turbulent combustion and hypersonic boundary layers.

We collaborate with other groups across the lab in nearly all we do, and regularly work with subject matter experts in external academic and defense communities - to consult, to employ state-of-the-art testing capabilities and to partner in developing new hardware technologies and software methodologies.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related field.
• Are an expert in one of the following areas: aerodynamics and fluid analysis, thermal/fluid modeling, heat transfer, thermochemistry, combustion, hypersonic thermal design, infrared scenes, signatures and related software development.
• Are a motivated self-starter with excellent communications skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance.  If you are 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.

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 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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.