Advanced Concepts Engineer

Position Overview

The Advanced Concepts Engineer will support HDUSA's engineering organization across technical research, program engineering, and business development functions. This is a unique hybrid role designed for a recent Ph.D. graduate with deep technical grounding in advanced flight systems and fluid dynamics who is seeking direct exposure to how technical work translates into programs, proposals, and customer relationships within the U.S. defense industry.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Technical

  • Serve as a technical contributor for advanced concept systems supporting HDUSA
  • Contribute to technology roadmap development for the engineering portfolio, translating current research into program-relevant technical opportunities and identifying strategic investments for future research
  • Represent HDUSA technically in select university and government research partnerships and technical interchange meetings

• Program Engineering

  • Contribute to development of program schedules, Physical Breakdown Structures, and staffing / ROM estimates for proposal and execution efforts
  • Aid in configuration management planning and CDRL/SDRL tracking on active contracts/subcontracts
  • Support systems engineering documentation, including requirements traceability and interface control documentation, on assigned programs

• Business Development and Industry / Academia Engagement

  • Support preparation of capture and proposal materials, including RFI responses, technical volumes, and pitch materials for government customers
  • Aid in coordination across partner and subcontractor organizations, including FFRDC, UARC, Academic, and international affiliates
  • Represent HDUSA at industry conferences, technical forums, and government engagements as directed

Qualifications / Experience

• Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field (completed or degree conferral as expected by June 2027)

• Demonstrated research experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field

• Prior internship experience in an industry, government, or national laboratory setting preferred

• Strong academic research record and demonstrated initiative

• Genuine interest in business development, program management, and industry acumen alongside technical work

• Must be able to obtain a SECRET level Security Clearance

Education

• Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related technical discipline

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Strong technical foundation in GNC, fluid dynamics or related aero-thermal disciplines

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical work for non-technical audiences

• Self-directed, comfortable operating with ambiguity in a fast-paced organization

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with technical analysis tools relevant to hypersonics research a plus

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer

• Able to travel up to 25% of the time, including domestic and occasional international travel