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.