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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jet Turbine Engineer

💰 $95,000 - $175,000

EngineeringAerospaceMechanical EngineeringPropulsion Systems

🎯 Role Definition

Are you ready to engineer the heart of modern aircraft? This role requires a highly motivated and talented Jet Turbine Engineer to join our world-class propulsion team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of innovation, tackling complex challenges in the design, analysis, manufacturing, and lifecycle support of advanced gas turbine engines. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts to develop next-generation technologies that are safer, more efficient, and more powerful than ever before. If you have a deep understanding of thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and structural mechanics, and a passion for aviation, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of flight.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer (Junior/Associate)
  • Test Engineer (Propulsion)

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Propulsion Engineer
  • Engineering Manager (Turbine Module)
  • Chief Engineer / Technical Fellow

Lateral Moves:

  • Systems Integration Engineer
  • Thermal Analysis Engineer
  • Aerodynamics Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive aerothermal, structural, and stress analysis on critical hot and cold section components, including blades, vanes, disks, and rotors, using advanced FEA and CFD software to ensure design integrity.
  • Develop and optimize innovative turbine component designs from conceptual layout through detailed design, focusing on performance, durability, weight, and manufacturability.
  • Generate and maintain complex 3D CAD models, detailed component drawings, and assembly layouts for turbine hardware, ensuring adherence to GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5).
  • Create, execute, and oversee rigorous engine and component test plans in collaboration with the test group, including instrumentation requirements and success criteria.
  • Analyze test data to validate analytical models, troubleshoot hardware performance, and provide clear, actionable recommendations for design improvements.
  • Act as a technical liaison to manufacturing, providing engineering support to resolve production issues, disposition non-conforming hardware, and implement design-for-manufacturing improvements.
  • Perform root cause analysis and lead failure investigations on field-returned or test hardware, documenting findings and implementing corrective actions to enhance fleet reliability.
  • Develop and refine analytical tools and engineering methodologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the design and analysis process.
  • Prepare and present detailed technical reports, design reviews, and program status updates to internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and regulatory bodies.
  • Manage the technical, schedule, and budget aspects for assigned components or sub-systems, coordinating with suppliers, partners, and various internal departments.
  • Evaluate and integrate new materials, such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and advanced superalloys, into next-generation turbine designs to enable higher temperature operation.
  • Perform lifing and durability analysis to predict the service life of critical rotating and static components under complex thermal and mechanical loading conditions.
  • Support the creation of engine maintenance and repair procedures, collaborating with the service engineering team to ensure long-term engine sustainment.
  • Drive risk reduction initiatives by identifying potential design vulnerabilities through FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) and developing robust mitigation plans.
  • Ensure all designs, analyses, and documentation comply with relevant industry standards and airworthiness regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA).
  • Define aerodynamic flow paths and blade profiles for turbine stages to meet overall engine performance, efficiency, and stall margin targets.
  • Conduct heat transfer analysis to manage component metal temperatures, design effective cooling schemes (e.g., film cooling, impingement), and ensure component durability.
  • Interface with the systems engineering team to define and allocate component-level requirements based on top-level engine performance and operational needs.
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence within the team.
  • Support proposal development for new engine programs by contributing to preliminary design concepts, technical assessments, and cost estimations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's technology and digital transformation roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate future customer needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Proficiency with tools like Ansys Mechanical, Abaqus, or Nastran for structural and thermal analysis.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Experience with software such as Ansys CFX/Fluent for aerodynamic and heat transfer simulation.
  • 3D CAD Modeling: Expertise in parametric design using Siemens NX, CATIA, or Creo.
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T): Deep understanding and application of ASME Y14.5 standards.
  • Turbomachinery Aerodynamics & Thermodynamics: In-depth knowledge of the principles governing turbine design and engine performance.
  • Heat Transfer Analysis: Skill in analyzing and designing cooling systems for high-temperature environments.
  • Programming & Scripting: Competency in Python or MATLAB for automating tasks and analyzing data.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Systematic approach to problem-solving and failure investigation.
  • Materials Science: Familiarity with high-temperature superalloys, coatings, and composite materials (CMCs).
  • Test Data Analysis: Ability to process, interpret, and correlate large datasets from engine or rig tests.
  • Project Management: Experience with planning, scheduling, and executing engineering tasks within budget.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Critical Thinking: Ability to deconstruct complex problems and develop robust solutions.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven success working effectively in cross-functional teams.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, analysis, and documentation.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to manage changing priorities and navigate technical ambiguity.
  • Initiative & Ownership: Proactive in identifying challenges and driving them to resolution.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a relevant engineering discipline.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) focused on Turbomachinery, Heat Transfer, or Solid Mechanics.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10+ years of progressive experience in a gas turbine or related high-technology engineering environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience with the design, analysis, and testing of hot section components (turbine, combustor) in the aerospace industry.
  • A U.S. Person status may be required due to the nature of the work.
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