Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer

$90,000 - $330,000/Yr

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab - Laurel, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Laurel, MD

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer will be part of a highly technical and collaborative team focused on the design and analysis of rocket propulsion systems for the Department of Defense. This role involves applying propulsion modeling techniques, conducting performance assessments, and participating in the development of innovative weapon concepts. The engineer will work on multidisciplinary teams to support new rocket motor development and sustainment activities, while also contributing to internal research and development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Apply propulsion modeling techniques to the design and development of rocket-based weapon systems.
• Use physics-based concept design tools to synthesize booster stack and kill vehicle concepts.
• Perform concept performance assessments at the weapon level, including trajectory simulation and optimization.
• Work with BMDS system analysts for system level performance evaluations.
• Lead detailed propulsion system assessments.
• Participate on Integrated Product Teams to support new rocket motor development and weapon deployment activities.
• Develop new Internal Research and Development (IRAD) ideas and pursue innovative weapon concepts as a technical contributor.
• Document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams and sponsors.

Requirements

• BS degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or similar) with 10 years of experience in rocket propulsion systems design and analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, contributing to multidisciplinary engineering design problems.
• Strong knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, heat transfer, and structures.
• Experience with MATLAB programming (or similar).
• Knowledge of aerospace vehicle design, flight dynamics, and trajectory optimization (3/6 DOF).
• Familiarity with industrial practices and the full propulsion system life cycle.
• Experience in engineering failure forensic investigations.
• Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to set direction and work with little supervision.
• Experience with proposal writing and business development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by start date.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with advanced propulsion technologies.
• Familiarity with government contracting processes.
• Knowledge of missile defense systems.

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, and flexible spending accounts.