2027 Graduate PhD - Thermal Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a thermal engineer to help us evaluate, develop, and test advanced target and interceptor flight systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy solving complicated problems in a supportive, mission-oriented environment where you'll contribute to a wide variety of aerospace programs. Our engineers and scientists collaborate closely to find solutions for challenging thermal environments such as in-silo rocket launch, thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, and turbulent combustion in detonation engines. Our sponsors mandate us to solve today’s problems with the best methods available, but we strive to also look forward - to anticipate new engineering challenges and new opportunities. As an engineer in the Hypersonic Thermal Design Section, you will develop and validate thermal, aerothermal and material response models for high-temperature systems and thermal protection materials. You will perform analysis at varying levels of fidelity, using a range of tools, to evaluate and guide decisions during all phases of the design cycle for missile and related systems. You will plan and execute ground test activities to validate thermal and aerothermal models, characterize material/system performance, and support design verification and qualification. You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to solve engineering problems critical to the nation’s defense and help guide programs to successful outcomes with clear communication to APL partners and sponsors.

Requirements

Possess a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical area.
Have at least seven years of progressive, hands-on experience in thermal/aerothermal analyses supporting vehicle design and development.
Demonstrate understanding of vehicle-level thermal integration, including interface definition, requirements development, and design trade-offs.
Demonstrate ability to translate complex engineering concepts and results into clear, actionable recommendations and risk assessments.
Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Possess understanding of one or more related fields. These include but are not limited to computational fluid dynamics (CFD), aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, materials science, etc.
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.

Responsibilities

Develop and validate thermal, aerothermal and material response models for high-temperature systems and thermal protection materials.
Perform analysis at varying levels of fidelity, using a range of tools, to evaluate and guide decisions during all phases of the design cycle for missile and related systems.
Plan and execute ground test activities to validate thermal and aerothermal models, characterize material/system performance, and support design verification and qualification.
Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to solve engineering problems critical to the nation’s defense.
Help guide programs to successful outcomes with clear communication to APL partners and sponsors.