Low-Speed Propulsion Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

60d

About The Position

Are you interested in the development and evaluation of low-speed propulsion? Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a complementary team of engineers? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking an experienced Low-Speed Propulsion Engineer with experience in propulsion system design, testing, and analysis. In this role, you will lead and contribute to the development, modeling, and experimental evaluation of propulsion concepts operating in subsonic and transonic regimes. You'll serve as a technical contributor and mentor, providing subject-matter expertise in propulsion fundamentals while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems that directly support national defense missions. As a low-speed propulsion engineer, you will...

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in propulsion system design, analysis, or testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in propulsion fundamentals, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with propulsion modeling and simulation tools (e.g., NPSS, CFD codes, MATLAB, Python).
• Strong track record of delivering technical results independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to brief sponsors and document results.
• Are able to obtain a 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience leading propulsion test campaigns, including facility coordination, test article design, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with multiple propulsion speed regimes to include solid rocket motors, ramjets and scramjets.
• Working knowledge of uncertainty quantification, experimental methods, and system-level trade studies.
• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead propulsion analysis and design efforts for low-speed applications, including cycle analysis, performance modeling, and integration studies.
• Design, plan, and oversee experimental campaigns, including wind tunnel tests, ground-based propulsion experiments, and hardware evaluations.
• Develop, refine, and validate propulsion system models for use in design trades and system-level assessments.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance in propulsion fundamentals and experimental best practices.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to sponsors, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Contribute to innovative research initiatives in advanced propulsion technologies, air-breathing systems, and hybrid propulsion concepts.
• Utilize propulsion modeling tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of various weapon systems.

Benefits

• 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.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.
• 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.
• Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees