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Hypersonic Cfd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specter Aerospace

Vehicle Design Engineer II

Peabody, MA · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

In this role, you will contribute to the development of components and systems for hypersonic ... Prior FEA/CFD experience * Familiarity with DFM/DFAM EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will ...

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How much do hypersonic cfd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for hypersonic cfd in the United States is $93,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in hypersonic CFD roles?

Professionals in hypersonic CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) roles often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling complex flow phenomena like shock waves, high-temperature gas effects, and aerodynamic heating. These simulations require advanced numerical methods and high-performance computing resources due to the extreme speeds and temperatures involved. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including experimentalists and material scientists—is common to validate simulations and integrate results into larger engineering projects. Staying updated with the latest simulation tools and research is essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.

What is hypersonic CFD?

Hypersonic CFD, or Computational Fluid Dynamics for hypersonic flows, refers to the use of computer simulations to analyze and predict the behavior of gases moving at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5+). This field is critical for designing vehicles like re-entry spacecraft, missiles, and high-speed aircraft, where extreme temperatures and shock waves present unique challenges. Hypersonic CFD helps engineers understand airflow, heat transfer, and aerodynamic forces, enabling the development of safer and more efficient high-speed vehicles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hypersonic CFD Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hypersonic CFD Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering or a related field, with expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and high-speed aerodynamics. Familiarity with CFD software such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or NASA's OVERFLOW, as well as programming skills in languages like Python or Fortran, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These skills ensure accurate modeling and analysis of hypersonic flows, which are vital for designing safe and efficient high-speed aerospace vehicles.

What is the difference between Hypersonic Cfd vs Aerodynamics Engineer?

AspectHypersonic CfdAerodynamics Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, CFD certifications, specialized training in hypersonic flowsEngineering degree, CFD experience, aerodynamics coursework
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace industry, high-performance computingAircraft design, wind tunnels, aerospace or automotive sectors
Industry UsageHypersonic flight, space vehicles, missile technologyAircraft, automotive, sports equipment

Hypersonic Cfd specialists focus on simulating and analyzing airflow at hypersonic speeds, often involving complex physics and high-performance computing. In contrast, Aerodynamics Engineers work on a broader range of aerodynamic problems across various speeds and industries. While both roles require CFD skills and engineering backgrounds, Hypersonic Cfd is specialized for high-speed, high-temperature environments, whereas Aerodynamics Engineers typically work on subsonic and supersonic applications.

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What cities are hiring for Hypersonic Cfd jobs? Cities with the most Hypersonic Cfd job openings:
What states have the most Hypersonic Cfd jobs? States with the most job openings for Hypersonic Cfd jobs include:
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Hypersonic Cfd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hypersonic Cfd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,015 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer

Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?
Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of our Nation's defenses to support next generation hypersonic and reentry systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an aerothermal engineer to help us perform research, development, design, analysis and prototyping of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies to advance our Nation's premiere strategic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to develop these next generation systems, ensuring the enduring effectiveness of our Nation's strategic deterrent. You will be joining a complementary team of engineers who work together to provide impactful solutions to system level objectives and challenges. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging challenging work and supporting continued learning and development.
As a Reentry System Aerothermal Engineer...
  • Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop advanced reentry system designs and prototypes
  • Develop and execute component and/or system-level thermal finite element models to evaluate trajectory-based aerodynamic heating and performance
  • Perform TPS characterization, selection, and analyses of ablative TPS materials
  • Support aerothermal ground test activities, including test design, test operations, and data analysis.
  • Conduct trade studies on vehicle TPS design concepts
  • As needed, assist in developing software tools for high-speed aerothermal analyses
  • Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Have experience in performing aerothermal analyses on hypersonic or reentry systems.
  • Have experience in thermal material response analysis to model thermal protection systems, including ablation.
  • Have strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB
  • Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites
  • Have initiative and drive to make critical contributions to an important mission
  • Can work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams comprised of APL staff, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners with varying experience levels and backgrounds
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in vehicle system design and development with a focus on aerodynamics.
  • Have experience with CART3D, CFD++, Kestrel, or other advanced CFD codes, as well as experience in grid generation using Pointwise, ICEM CFD, or similar software.
  • Have programming skills in Linux Bash (or similar) and/or Python and have experience with High Performance Clusters and batch queuing systems (PBS, Slurm, etc.)
  • Have experience or knowledge in design or testing of hypersonics systems
  • Have experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles
  • Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

About Us
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 at https://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 contact Accessibility@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.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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