2026 PhD Graduate - Aerothermal Engineer

Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping? Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the performance and efficacy of next generation hypersonic and reentry systems? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. 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. You will be joining a complementary team of engineers who work together to provide impactful solutions to system level objectives and challenges. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging challenging work and supporting continued learning and development. As a Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer 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. Perform Thermal Protection System (TPS) characterization, selection, and analyses of ablative TPS materials. 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 You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Have a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline. Have experience in performing aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems. Have experience in thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation. Have strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB. Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites. Have initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission. Can work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams comprised of APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners with varying experience levels and backgrounds. Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level 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 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 ablation 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. Benefits Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually 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 contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory