Senior Aerospace Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about ground breaking aero- and aerothermodynamics—studying rockets, missiles, drones, and hypersonic systems? Do you thrive in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment with experts with an array of backgrounds? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are looking for an experienced engineer to drive aerodynamic analysis across multiple flight regimes and navigate the toughest challenges in missile‑defense technology. In this role you will: Conduct high‑fidelity CFD simulations for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic configurations—from launch through termination. Contribute to the creation and validation of aerodynamic models, supporting flight‑test campaigns and wind‑tunnel programs for next‑generation missile and aircraft designs. Collaborate daily alongside aerodynamics experts who are passionate about pioneering research and dedicated to strengthening our nation’s defense capabilities. If you thrive on solving complex problems in a fast paced, innovative environment, this is the chance to create real impact. Join the forefront of national defense innovation at APL! As an Aerodynamics Engineer … Your primary responsibility will be to perform applied computational analysis using commercial CFD software packages to simulate the flight environments of various vehicles including missiles, aircraft, and drones during launch, boost, midcourse, and glide portions of trajectories. You will plan, conduct, and direct wind tunnel tests and perform post-test analysis to generate high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for incorporation into six DOF simulations. You will manipulate and modify CAD for use in mesh generation, and you will generate numerical grids to handle the large-scale simulation of several complex air vehicles. You will analyze and validate CFD predictions with flight test data and literature. You will document results in technical memoranda and papers; present findings and provide expert opinion in technical interchange meetings. You will interact with project managers, sponsors, contractors, and other APL staff to establish and maintain relationships and to provide critical contributions. Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.

Requirements

B.S.in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of experience in aerodynamic analysis of missile systems.
Shown ability to leverage commercial CFD packages (CFD++, US3D, or Kestrel) to drive design decisions, program recommendations and push the state-of-the-art
Proven track record of vehicle aerodynamic analysis and design; including aerodynamic stability and control
Strong background in computational fluid dynamics, grid generation, hypersonic flows, wind tunnel testing, and aerodynamic model development.
Experience coding and using MATLAB scripts and functions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Highly dynamic, self-starter with strong organization skills and willing to set program direction.
Experience in aerothermodynamics, rocket and air-breathing engines, and/or engine plume analysis
Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

Conduct high‑fidelity CFD simulations for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic configurations—from launch through termination.
Contribute to the creation and validation of aerodynamic models, supporting flight‑test campaigns and wind‑tunnel programs for next‑generation missile and aircraft designs.
Collaborate daily alongside aerodynamics experts who are passionate about pioneering research and dedicated to strengthening our nation’s defense capabilities.
Perform applied computational analysis using commercial CFD software packages to simulate the flight environments of various vehicles including missiles, aircraft, and drones during launch, boost, midcourse, and glide portions of trajectories.
Plan, conduct, and direct wind tunnel tests and perform post-test analysis to generate high-fidelity aerodynamic databases for incorporation into six DOF simulations.
Manipulate and modify CAD for use in mesh generation, and generate numerical grids to handle the large-scale simulation of several complex air vehicles.
Analyze and validate CFD predictions with flight test data and literature.
Document results in technical memoranda and papers; present findings and provide expert opinion in technical interchange meetings.
Interact with project managers, sponsors, contractors, and other APL staff to establish and maintain relationships and to provide critical contributions.