Low-Speed Propulsion Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory provided pay range

This range is provided by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

Are you interested in the development and evaluation of low-speed propulsion?

Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a complementary team of engineers?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an experienced Low-Speed Propulsion Engineer with experience in propulsion system design, testing, and analysis. In this role, you will lead and contribute to the development, modeling, and experimental evaluation of propulsion concepts operating in subsonic and transonic regimes.

You’ll serve as a technical contributor and mentor, providing subject‑matter expertise in propulsion fundamentals while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems that directly support national defense missions.

As a low-speed propulsion engineer, you will...

• Lead propulsion analysis and design efforts for low‑speed applications, including cycle analysis, performance modeling, and integration studies.
• Design, plan, and oversee experimental campaigns, including wind tunnel tests, ground‑based propulsion experiments, and hardware evaluations.
• Develop, refine, and validate propulsion system models for use in design trades and system‑level assessments.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance in propulsion fundamentals and experimental best practices.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to sponsors, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Contribute to innovative research initiatives in advanced propulsion technologies, air‑breathing systems, and hybrid propulsion concepts.
• Utilize propulsion modeling tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of various weapon systems.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in propulsion system design, analysis, or testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in propulsion fundamentals, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with propulsion modeling and simulation tools (e.g., NPSS, CFD codes, MATLAB, Python).
• Strong track record of delivering technical results independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to brief sponsors and document results.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience leading propulsion test campaigns, including facility coordination, test article design, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with multiple propulsion speed regimes to include solid rocket motors, ramjets and scramjets.
• Working knowledge of uncertainty quantification, experimental methods, and system‑level trade studies.
• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance.

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 of perspectives 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…