2027 PhD Graduate - Aerothermal Engineer

About the role

We are seeking an aerothermal engineer to help us perform research, development, design, analysis and prototyping of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and their enabling technologies. As a member of our team, you’ll be making critical contributions to the rapid advancement of these next generation systems, ensuring their mission effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 hypervelocity aerothermal analyses.
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in performing aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems.
• Experience in thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation.
• Strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites.
• Initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission.
• Ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams comprised of APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners with varying experience levels and backgrounds.
• Able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance.

Additional Information

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... 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 experience with heat conduction and ablations solvers such as CHAR. 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.