2027 Graduate - Thermal and EO/IR Modeling and Simulation Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a creative, driven, and motivated engineer to join our dynamic Thermal and Aerospace Engineering group at APL. You’ll collaborate with a hardworking team addressing broad challenges for programs of national importance, including the nation’s integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) systems. This role focuses on advancing thermal and Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) modeling and simulation capabilities to support the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC).

Responsibilities

• Develop physics-based thermal models of missiles, rocket motor plumes, air platforms, and other relevant systems to support multiple programs, including IAMD.
• Integrate thermal results with optical characteristics using cutting-edge modeling and simulation toolkits to predict EO/IR signatures of various systems in exo- and endo-atmospheric environments, including coupling with relevant background scenes.
• Interact with various domain authorities to grow your knowledge base related to overall weapon systems and apply that knowledge to improve analysis methodologies.
• Collaborate with senior developers to improve existing code suites, maintaining the team’s status as a leading authority in the EO/IR signature community.
• Compare predictions with wind tunnel, laboratory, flight test data, and literature.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to craft exploratory studies characterizing the impacts of specific phenomena on various weapon systems’ performance.
• Document and present findings to government agencies and sponsors.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering (or a related field) with coursework focused on heat transfer, thermodynamics, numerical analysis, fluid dynamics, or related topics.
• Experience with programming/coding/scripting using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or Shell.
• Preferred experience using Linux-based computing environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Final Secret level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. Our vibrant, welcoming culture encourages growth, creativity, and collaboration with inspiring teammates. APL offers generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, APL fosters an inclusive environment where differences in perspectives are celebrated.

Pay

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate: $165,000 Annually

Actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training, skill level, and internal parity. APL may offer bonuses, sign-on bonuses, relocation benefits, locality allowances, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. Salaried employees working less than 40 hours per week will have their annual salary prorated.

Benefits

• Comprehensive retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Education assistance and training/development