Job Description

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

The Space Science Instrumentation group at APL builds instruments for spacecraft to produce data for scientific research. We're a group of about 100 engineers with expertise that span across all aspects of instrument production including systems engineering, electrical, mechanical, software, optics, physics and many more niche areas. We work very closely with other groups of engineers and scientists who contribute all other expertise required for the instrument production. Some examples of our work includes: the PEPSSI and LORRI instruments on the New Horizons Spacecraft, most of the instrument suite on the MESSENGER Spacecraft, the CRISM instrument on the MRO Spacecraft, and dozens more. We are currently working on instruments for the JUICE, Europa, Psyche, and Lucy Missions. We are seeking talented individuals to contribute to the design and production of space flight instrumentation.

Are you an expert in thermal engineering and have interest in Space instrumentation?
If so, we may have a role for you.

As a Senior Thermal Engineer you will...

• Provide thermal engineering support for space system applications with focus on
  space instrument thermal design. Perform end-to-end thermal design, analysis and testing
  of space hardware specify and procure thermal control hardware specify and assist in the
  design multi-layer-insulation and thermal oversight of subcontracted systems. Define
  thermal requirements and generate thermal and thermal vacuum test plans and
  specifications for flight and engineering hardware.
• Be the lead engineer for the thermal design and analysis of space systems, instruments and
  components. Develop thermal models and conduct analyses to predict system thermal
  performance during flight conditions. Direct and work with subsystem lead engineers and
  thermal technician in the design and development of spacecraft and instrument space flight
  thermal control systems.
• Be responsible for all aspects of thermal vacuum testing. Develop thermal models and
  conduct analyses in support of thermal system testing. Design and development of system
  and subsystem thermal test configurations. Generate test plans and specifications,
  participate in execution of test and perform analysis of test data. Correlate thermal analysis
  models based on system and subsystem test data.
• Provide program support at status meetings and reviews - formal & informal presentations
  and documentation.
• Participate in and/or initiate independent proposal and technology development efforts in
  advanced thermal system development. Provide thermal engineering support of
  department proposal efforts as required.
• Provide thermal design support for other space system applications.

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

• Have a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of 5 years' experience providing end-to-end thermal engineering support of
  spacecraft and instrument thermal design, analysis and testing. Must have a solid basis
  and understanding of heat transfer theory and the use of thermal analysis software tools as
  applied to space based thermal designs.
• Have proficiency in the use of personal computers and standard software.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and wellbeing
  of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against
  COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or
  experience and previous experience with numerical solution software Thermal Desktop
  and SindaFluint.
  religious accommodation by their start date.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have 3-5 years of experience with regard to space system applications, thermal
  vacuum testing and multilayer insulation design.
• Have a MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent and 10 years'
• Have experience in thermal analysis of systems using advanced materials is highly desired.
• Have prior experience in projects related to research and development in thermal system
  technologies or analyses.

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 http://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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. 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.

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