Rarefied Flow Aero/Propulsion Engineer

$90,000 - $220,000/Yr

Johns Hopkins - Laurel, MD

Full-time - Entry Level

Laurel, MD

Educational Services

About the position

The Rarefied Flow Aero/Propulsion Engineer at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is responsible for developing software to model and simulate aerodynamic performance of air-breathing inlets for very Low Earth Orbit (vLEO) applications. This role involves modifying existing Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) codes to accurately capture particle-surface interactions and contributing to projects that support the U.S. Department of Defense. The engineer will work collaboratively with a team of experts, providing technical guidance and communicating results to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for modeling and simulating aerodynamic performance of air-breathing inlets for vLEO applications.
• Modify existing DSMC codes to capture particle-surface interactions accurately.
• Lead and contribute to planning activities for future projects and initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance for ongoing projects.
• Craft reports and presentations to communicate technical results to team members and government partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in rarefied gas dynamics/kinetic theory and associated modeling/simulation tools.
• Prior coding experience with C/C++, FORTRAN, Python, and MATLAB.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for meetings or tests at other sites.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Five years of experience with existing DSMC tools.
• Demonstrated initiative, motivation, and flexibility in independent research and development.
• Technical experience in electric propulsion (EP) applications.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program
• Unparalleled retirement contributions
• Healthy work/life balance
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and training and development.