Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer

Would you like to be part of a highly technical, collaborative, and diverse team with expertise that span the disciplines of aerospace, mechanical engineering, and physics?

Do you enjoy the challenges related to modeling and analysis of rocket propulsion systems?

Do you have a passion for finding solutions to current and emerging propulsion system challenges for the Department of Defense (DoD)?

If so, then we're looking for someone like you to join our Propulsion Engineering team!

As a Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer, you will:

• Apply propulsion modeling techniques to supply to the conceptual and detailed 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 all levels of new rocket motor development and new weapon deployment, as well as sustaining activities for fielded systems.
• Participate in developing new Internal Research and Development (IRAD) ideas. Pursue innovative weapon concepts through IRAD as a technical contributor.
• Document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams and sponsors.

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.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have .

• BS degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or similar), with 10 years of experience with the design and analysis of rocket propulsion systems
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a history of important contributions to multidisciplinary teams on a variety of engineering design problems
• Strong knowledge with associated phenomenology, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, thermochemistry, heat transfer, and structures
• Experience with MATLAB programming (or similar)
• Experience with aerospace vehicle design, flight dynamics, and trajectory optimization (3/6 DOF)
• Knowledge of industrial practices and experience with the full propulsion system life cycle
• Experience in engineering failure forensic investigations
• Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to set direction and work successfully with little supervision
• Experience with proposal writing/business development
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed
• The ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a final Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact (see below) Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.