Materials Development Engineer

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

Do you enjoy solving challenges related to materials science and its applications in missile systems?

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

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

As a section our mission focuses on innovation, integration, and characterization of materials for missile defense. We operate at the intersection of material innovation, modeling, damage mitigation, and energetics. Joining this section means working with state-of-the-art facilities, subject matter experts, and a supportive team of materials scientists and engineers.

With a focus on next generation materials, we are seeking a senior materials engineer to drive the development of high-performance materials for future defensive missiles and thermal protection systems. You will focus on the material science required to survive the "wall of heat" during high-altitude intercepts, ensuring that sensor windows and structural components maintain integrity under the most grueling thermal and kinetic profiles.

As a Materials Development Engineer you will...

• Mission-Critical Development: Lead the maturation of materials for hypersonic vehicles and platforms, focusing on extreme-temperature durability and structural reliability
• Thermal Protection Systems (TPS): Engineer advanced ablators and insulators to protect interceptor airframes and internal electronics from aerothermal heating
• Optical & IR Windows: Develop heat-resistant, high-transparency materials for IR windows to ensure uncompromised sensor performance and tracking accuracy during high-velocity engagements
• System Longevity: Develop high-temperature gaskets and fixtures that extend the storage life and operational readiness of defense infrastructure
• Material Innovation: Develop and mature advanced materials, including composites, high-temperature gaskets, ceramics, and radome materials to meet the demanding thermal, structural, and electromagnetic requirements of hypersonic and propulsion environments
• System Integration: Design and qualify fixtures and components for integration into missile systems and planetary defense structures
• Predictive Analysis: Compare novel material behaviors against legacy systems to determine performance advantages and technical risks
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with the Propulsion, Structural, Energetics and Damage Mitigation teams to ensure holistic survivability of aerospace assets

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

• Possess Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with 1+ years of related experience
• Have expertise in TPS design and the integration of optical materials into high-speed missile airframes
• Have an understanding of the relationship between structure and properties in the design of materials
• Have a demonstrated track record in developing novel and innovative materials for extreme environments (high temperature, oxidation, radiation) and weapons
• Are proficient in advanced processing techniques, thermal analysis, and characterization of optical/IR window materials to assess their performance
• Have a deep understanding of material degradation in oxidative and high-heat flux environments
• Can obtain an interim Secret-level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret-level 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

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 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 athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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.