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Computational Mechanical Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, Maryland, Laurel
11100 Johns Hopkins Road (Show on map)
Oct 06, 2025
Description

Do you have a fundamental drive and fascination in solving problems of all kinds?

Are you searching for impactful work in the area of computational engineering and analysis that doesn't confine you to working on the same thing year after year?

Does making meaningful contributions to projects that span from submarines, surface ships, UAVs, aircraft, missiles, to spacecraft sound like a dream job?

Are you a creative person driven by your need to solve new problems, who is passionate about applying your knowledge-and knowledge learned from others-to solve truly outstanding problems?

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

We are seeking a Computational Mechanical Engineer to help us model key physical processes in complex systems to solve impactful problems. As a member of our team, you will contribute to exciting projects supporting the US Department of Defense and other government agencies. Our team strives to develop, apply, and maintain deep expertise in multiscale modeling techniques that give insight into the most meaningful length and time scales. You will work alongside analysts, designers, and fabricators who have a passion for bringing our models to physical systems that advance the state of the art and have real-world impact.

As a Computational Mechanical Engineer:

  • Your primary responsibility will be to develop and utilize advanced continuum models of materials and engineering systems across a variety of length and time scales.
  • You will perform and develop new analyses spanning a broad range of static and dynamic events to include blast, impact, penetration, structural strength, and material model calibration.
  • You will leverage a range of advanced software tools including COMSOL, ABAQUS, ANSYS, FLUENT, Thermal Desktop, ALE3D, CTH, Cheetah, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA, IMPETUS, and ABSTRAO.
  • You will develop new models and statistical analyses of the resulting data.
  • You will actively collaborate with engineers, designers, fabricators, and scientists on a day-to-day basis.
  • You will propose future projects and initiatives.
  • You will craft reports and give presentations to communicate results to team members and government partners.

We're looking for talented and versatile computational engineers who are excited to expand their analytical toolbox. If you have experience in any of the methods or tools above, and are motivated to learn even more, we want to talk to you.


Qualifications

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

  • A BS in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent with demonstrated application of knowledge.
  • 3+ years demonstrated ability in FEA or related computational modeling.
  • Experience in utilizing physics-based modeling frameworks and the ability to contribute to their development.
  • Demonstrated ability to both work independently with little guidance and direction, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Ability to multi-task on projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to attend meetings or tests at other government and contractor sites.
  • Ability to work in closed area facilities.
  • 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.

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

  • An MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent with demonstrated application of knowledge.
  • Extensive experience in the development and use of simulation software in computational engineering.
  • Education or experience in the design, analysis, fabrication, and use of energetics and munitions.
  • Experience using COTS or GOTS hydrocodes to simulate energetic detonation and deflagration
  • Scientific/engineering programming experience, with the ability to work in multiple languages (MATLAB, C/C++, Python, FORTRAN, ...) and algorithms commonly used in computational science and engineering.
  • Experience using hardware accelerators (e.g. GPUs) and familiarity with parallel programming techniques (MPI/OpenMP).
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to team-based software development.
  • Fundamental understanding of the underlying physical phenomena driving material properties.

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 http://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 Accommodations@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

$227,500 Annually
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