Aerodynamics Engineer

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To apply accrued technical knowledge and experience in the planning and execution of engineering projects that lead to new or improved designs, application and test for products, contracts, and systems or processes related to turbomachinery. Conducts or supports specific aerodynamic projects within Research and Development. Perform engineering analysis with aerodynamic computer programs including CFD to design new or improved steam turbine stages or components. Leads or supports steam turbine aerodynamic testing in a laboratory environment by supervising technicians, operating the facility, collecting and analyzing data, and writing reports. Provides technical guidance and support to other groups (Application, Marketing, Manufacturing, Test, and Service Engineering) on issues related to steam turbine performance.

BACKGROUND and EXPERIENCE

• Accredited Bachelor or Master degree in an engineering curriculum
• Minimum of 2 years of specialized training and experience in turbomachinery design and analysis
• Firm foundation in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics as well as programming skill
• Ability to apply complex analytical tools (1D, 2D, 3D aerodynamic analysis programs) to create designs or resolve performance problems
• Practicing-level proficiency with commercial CAE /CAD and optimization software
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills, including basic office computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated appropriate judgement, decision making, and independence of action skills
• Ability to plan and manage projects effectively
• Capable of providing technical direction and expertise in assignments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5 years' experience in steam turbine aerodynamic design, analysis, application, and troubleshooting
• Experience with 1-D meanline performance prediction loss models and the use of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis software: ANSYS/CFX or Numeca/Fine Turbo
• Past experience performing CFD high fidelity transient simulations of steam turbines at off-design conditions.
• Instrument and lab testing experience with knowledge and programming experience

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/COMPETENCIES

• Designs new or modifies existing steam turbine stages and other multistage steam turbine components as assigned for improved aerodynamic performance.
• Develops and improves design, analysis, performance prediction, and application computational tools.
• Independently plans, budgets, schedules and performs project assignments toward specified objectives within allocated time, schedule, cost and constraint established by supervision.
• Independently plans, prepares and executes experimental programs for the development of new or existing products, shop order tests, design procedures, and issue applicable documentation.
• Provides specialized technical information and support, related to steam turbine aerodynamic performance, to other groups (Application, Marketing, Manufacturing, Test, and Service Engineering) as needed.
• Co-ordinates, communicates, and follows up in intra/inter- departmental activities to ensure conformance to design and quality standards.
• Responsible for planning, organizing and completion of major elements of projects which may be performed by assigned junior grade associates.
• Provides participative direction to junior grade associates in the calculation and analysis of data and final reporting.
• Maintains awareness of new and state-of-the-art technology, competitive intelligence and new turbomachinery applications/user requirements.
• Provides innovative and original ideas, collaborates with corporate patent department on new turbomachinery application/user requirements, and submits technical papers for publication.
• Promotes, implements and reflects productivity and quality ideas as related to assigned function.
• Administers capital and inter-departmental programs as assigned by supervision.
• Maintains knowledge of company objectives and technical plan as applied to assignment and related products/systems/functions.
• Pursues a personal career development plan prepared in conjunction with supervision.
• Responsible for documenting analysis procedures in Work Instructions and Engineering Transmittals where applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervision.