ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Turbomachinery Aerodynamics

Who We Are: The Aero Thermal Modeling and Testing subsection within the Rotating Machinery Development (RMD) section of the Machinery Department is focused on aerodynamic, heat transfer, thermal-fluid, and technoeconomic analyses together with the development of demonstration testing facilities for advanced power systems, long duration energy storage applications, and industrial decarbonization technologies.

Objectives of this Role: Perform aerodynamic design (1D sizing, 3D blade definition, optimization), analysis (CFD), and review of compressor and turbine components for machinery developed by clients and the RMD section. Conduct test programs centered around compressor and turbine aerodynamics including instrumentation planning, thermodynamic and mechanical test facility design, and data processing. Be a solution-oriented problem solver that exercises creativity and independent judgement in determining approaches to solve a wide range of technical problems with moderate supervision.

Write technical reports, papers, and proposals and prepare technical presentations for projects, client meetings and conferences.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Use engineering software (Fluent, CFX, aero design software) to conduct machinery flowpath development and analysis. Provide analytical or experimental support to multiple projects in a team environment, which can include literature reviews, data collection, test design, developing computational simulations, deriving first-principles or correlative-based solutions to problems.

Collaborate with a team of engineers with technical specialties in rotordynamics, mechanical design, thermal management, controls, and more to solve problems for a wide range of technical applications. Interpret and present simulation results to project team and clients in a concise and clear way. Interrogate results for reliability and provide troubleshooting support for tests and simulations with a firm understanding of theories and concepts using a first-principles approach.

Disseminate data and results in writing and oral presentation to clients, at conferences, and in other professional settings.

Requirements: Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering. 0-2 years: Experience in aerodynamic design, development, analysis, and testing of turbine and/or compressor components. Those with graduate degrees should have academic experience in the design, development, analysis, and testing of radial and axial turbomachinery components. Must be able to learn new technical skills to complete project work and develop custom tools to assist the team in future turbomachinery development work. Strong communication skills, successfully demonstrated in a team setting and ability to creatively solve problems as a team. A valid/clear driver's license is required.