Solid Rocket Propulsion Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

Would you like to be part of a highly technical, collaborative, and well rounded 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.

Requirements

BS degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or similar technical field
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.

Responsibilities

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.