Dragonfly Entry and Descent Subject Matter Expert

Would you love to work on the most exciting mission currently in development, one that will explore Titan, the largest moon of Saturn?

Would you like to assist the Dragonfly Entry and Descent lead engineers in ensuring the entry vehicle is able to successfully separate from the cruise stage, ballistically navigate through atmospheric entry, and deliver and release the Dragonfly lander for its first powered flight?

Do you have experience leading Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) flight systems, and are willing to share that knowledge with a multifaceted team of world-class engineers dedicated to develop, test, launch, and operate one of the most ambitious missions ever developed for NASA?

If so, then we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

The Space Exploration Sector (SES) is seeking an EDL Subject Matter Expert (SME) to help the Dragonfly team validate, test, and operate the Dragonfly EDL subsystem, from integration and test through post-launch operations. You would provide technical oversight, working with the current EDL and Dragonfly systems team leadership to ensure the program is a success.

As an EDL SME you will...

• Work with the EDL lead engineers and the systems team to ensure all system requirements can be verified and tested.
• Support integration and testing of the spacecraft, including cleanroom activities and developing procedures and command scripts to perform aliveness, functional, performance, and phasing tests of EDL software and hardware. Assist in the coordination of schedules with the integration and test (I&T) lead to ensure the EDL subsystem is available when needed, and qualified engineers are available to conduct mission tests as requested.
• Support launch and spacecraft operations during the cruise phase of the mission, developing command sequences for verifying the health of the EDL subsystem after launch.
• Support spacecraft integration readiness and delivery reviews.
• Ideally, support the operational execution of EDL critical event sequence upon Titan arrival

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a M.S in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field.
• Have at least 15 years of general experience with EDL flight projects, and or closely related technologies and analyses (e.g. Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), parachutes, aeroheating / aerothermodynamics, aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, structural analysis).
• Are familiar with TPS materials, particularly ablative materials, such as Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA), SLA-561V, Carbon-Carbon (C/C) and Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC), woven TPS (e.g., Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET))
• Are experienced with relevant modeling and analysis tools and methodologies.
• Are knowledgeable with various test facilities, such as wind tunnels and arc jets.
• Have previous experience as a Lead Engineer (e.g., Phase Lead, Subsystem Lead, System Lead)
• Have demonstrated leadership experience within a dynamic team environment.
• Have the ability to advocate for EDL needs / perspective to ensure critical event execution and mission success.

• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If 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.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field.
• Have direct EDL experience on a NASA mission with blunt body and high velocity entry events.
• Have post-launch operations experience
• Have a history of flight system deliveries (hardware / software / service) to a prime contractor
• Are an established user of relevant of EDL modeling and analysis tools, such as Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST2), Fully Implicit Ablation and Thermal response program (FIAT), CHarring Ablator Response (CHAR), Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm (LAURA), Data-Parallel Line Relaxation (DPLR), High-Altitude Radiation Algorithm (HARA), and/or Nonequilibrium Radiative Transport and Spectra Program (NEQAIR).
• Are a recognized EDL industry leader.

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 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. Learn more about our career opportunities at

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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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