2027 PhD Graduate - Aerospace & Thermal Engineering

About the role

We are seeking highly motivated teammates to join our dynamic group of engineers and scientists in the Aerospace & Thermal Engineering group. As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will work in a highly collaborative and engaging environment, focusing on solving critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members. Key areas of expertise include:

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

Our team collaborates to address challenging thermal environments, such as in-silo rocket launch, thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, and turbulent combustion in detonation engines. We also work on spacecraft, lunar infrastructure, and systems deployed in Antarctica, tackling unique thermal and aerodynamic design and testing challenges, as well as predictive modeling.

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

Current efforts include 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 and work with subject matter experts in external academic and defense communities.

Requirements

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Expertise 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.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• Motivated self-starter with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. 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 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.

Pay

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

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. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation, including sign-on bonuses, relocation benefits, locality allowances, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits

APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• Education assistance
• Training and development