Advanced Concepts Engineer

Position: Advanced Concepts Engineer 


Location: Rosslyn, VA

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Advanced Concepts Engineer will support HDUSA's engineering organization across technical research, program engineering, and business development functions. This is a unique hybrid role designed for a recent Ph.D. graduate with deep technical grounding in advanced flight systems and fluid dynamics who is seeking direct exposure to how technical work translates into programs, proposals, and customer relationships within the U.S. defense industry. The successful candidate will work in close partnership with the Technical Director on a range of engineering and strategic initiatives, with a deliberate developmental path toward technical or program leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical

• Serve as a technical contributor for advanced concept systems supporting HDUSA


• Contribute to technology roadmap development for the engineering portfolio, translating current research into program-relevant technical opportunities and identifying strategic investments for future research


• Represent HDUSA technically in select university and government research partnerships and technical interchange meetings

Program Engineering

• Contribute to development of program schedules, Physical Breakdown Structures, and staffing / ROM estimates for proposal and execution efforts


• Assist with configuration management planning and CDRL/SDRL tracking on active contracts/subcontracts


• Support systems engineering documentation, including requirements traceability and interface control documentation, on assigned programs

Business Development and Industry / Academia Engagement

• Support preparation of capture and proposal materials, including RFI responses, technical volumes, and pitch materials for government customers


• Assist with coordination across partner and subcontractor organizations, including FFRDC, UARC, Academic, and international affiliates.


• Represent HDUSA at industry conferences, technical forums, and government engagements as directed. 

Professional Development

• Participate in a structured first-year rotation across technical, program engineering, and business development functions under direct mentorship of the Technical Director.


• Build foundational knowledge of DOW acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS basics, and defense industry business practices.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field (completed or degree conferral as expected by June 2027).


• Demonstrated research experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field


• Prior internship experience in an industry, government, or national laboratory setting preferred.


• Strong academic research record and demonstrated initiative.


• Genuine interest in business development, program management, and industry acumen alongside technical work.


• Must be able to obtain a SECRET level Security Clearance.

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related technical discipline.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

• Strong technical foundation in GNC, fluid dynamics or related aero-thermal disciplines, .


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical work for non-technical audiences.


• Self-directed, comfortable operating with ambiguity in a fast-paced organization.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with technical analysis tools relevant to hypersonics research a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer.


• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including domestic and occasional international travel.

Hanwha Defense USA is committed to pay transparency and equitable compensation practices. The salary range listed for this position represents a good faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant skills/experience, education and certifications, market and business considerations, and internal pay equity. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation as part of Hanwha Defense USA's total rewards package. 

Hanwha Defense USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.