Propulsion Engineer – Hypersonic Systems

Physical Sciences Inc., an employee-owned company, located 25 miles north of Boston in Andover MA, seeks a highly skilled Propulsion Engineer with deep expertise in hypersonic propulsion systems, including scramjets, rotating detonation engines (RDEs), and high Mach gas turbine technologies. This role involves both analytical and experimental work, supporting the development, testing, and optimization of next-generation air-breathing propulsion systems for high-speed flight vehicles.

• Design, analyze, and optimize air-breathing hypersonic propulsion systems including scramjets, RDEs, and high-speed turbines.
• Perform CFD, thermodynamic cycle analysis, and combustion modeling to evaluate system performance across flight regimes (Mach 4–10+).
• Collaborate with test teams to plan and execute ground and flight tests; analyze post-test data and correlate with models.
• Work with materials, thermal management, and structural teams to ensure propulsion system survivability and reliability in extreme environments.
• Participate in engine hardware development, including injector design, isolator and combustor development, and nozzle configuration.
• Support conceptual and preliminary design phases for high-speed vehicles.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including government customers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
• 4–10 years of relevant experience in hypersonic propulsion systems.
• Hands-on experience with scramjet, rotating detonation engines, and/or high Mach gas turbines.
• Proficiency with tools such as ANSYS Fluent, CFX, CFD++, NPSS, Cantera, or in-house solvers.
• Deep understanding of compressible flow, high-temperature gas dynamics, and combustion physics.
• Strong background in propulsion system integration and thermal/structural coupling.

• Experience with high-enthalpy test facilities, shock tunnels, or direct-connect rigs.
• Familiarity with high-speed vehicle integration (airframe-propulsion interactions).
• Exposure to DoD, NASA, or DARPA hypersonic programs.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology

• Research Services