Thermal and Structural Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Thermal and Structural Engineer applies thermal and structural analysis skills to subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight vehicle applications. The role joins a multidisciplinary team working with internal experts and external government, university, and industry organizations. It conducts research and development in hypersonic materials, thermal protection solutions, and component- or system-level thermal-structural modeling and analysis. The engineer collaborates across disciplines to develop and improve analytical methodologies for evaluating critical structures and components, performs modeling and analysis to support program objectives and design decisions, and documents and communicates technical approaches, analyses, results, and recommendations to government sponsors and other stakeholders. The position requires a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, at least three years of relevant thermal and/or structural modeling and analysis experience, computational-model development and validation experience, and hands-on thermal and/or structural simulation using FEA software. Candidates must be able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by their start date and ultimately obtain Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility. Preferred qualifications include an MS degree or higher, five or more years of relevant aerospace experience, proficiency in thermo-mechanical FEA, technical leadership or mentoring experience, and an active Top Secret clearance.

Requirements

BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
At least 3 years of relevant experience in thermal and/or structural modeling and analysis, preferably for aerospace or defense applications.
At least 3 years of relevant experience developing, validating, and applying computational models to support engineering design, performance assessment, and testing.
Hands-on experience performing thermal and/or structural simulations using finite element analysis (FEA) software such as Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar tools.
Ability to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain Secret level clearance; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

MS degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
5 or more years of relevant experience in thermal and structural modeling and analysis for aerospace applications, including high-temperature structures, thermal protection systems, or advanced materials.
Proficiency in thermo-mechanical FEA, including coupled thermal-structural analysis, using software such as Abaqus or ANSYS.
Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, or leading small technical teams.
Active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and development to advance hypersonic materials, thermal protection solutions, and component- or system-level thermal-structural modeling and analysis.
Collaborate with subject matter experts across disciplines to deepen understanding of strike weapon systems and develop and improve analytical methodologies for evaluating critical structures and components.
Perform thermal and structural modeling and analysis independently and collaboratively to support program objectives, inform design decisions, and address technical challenges.
Document technical approaches, analyses, and results, and communicate findings and recommendations to government sponsors and other stakeholders.

Benefits

Robust education assistance program and education assistance.
Unparalleled retirement contributions and retirement plans.
Healthy work/life balance.
Paid time off.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term disability coverage.
Long-term disability coverage.
Flexible spending accounts.
Training and development.
Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.