Thermal Compression Systems Senior Engineer

Position Title: Thermal Compression Systems Senior Engineer

Location:                  Based out of Cheshire, CT

Reports to:               Chief Engineer, Compressors

Salary Grade: 

Job Description:

 As the Thermal Compression Systems Senior Engineer specializing in aerospace engines, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, and optimization of thermal management systems within aircraft gas turbine engines. Your role will involve ensuring efficient heat transfer, thermal protection, and temperature control of compression system components to maintain optimal performance and reliability under both normal as well as extreme operating conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Heat Transfer Analysis: Conduct heat transfer analysis and design to predict thermal loads and temperature distributions within compression system components such as compressor blades, vanes, disks, casings, and ducts. Evaluate convective, conductive, and radiative heat transfer mechanisms under various operating conditions across the flight envelope.

Cooling System Design: Design and optimize internal and external cooling systems to transport heat from compression system components and maintain them within safe operating temperature limits. Utilize reduced-order empirical analysis tools and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to simulate bleed and coolant flow distribution, heat transfer effectiveness, and pressure losses.

Heat Shielding and Thermal Protection: Design thermal protection systems, including thermal barrier coatings, heat shields, and insulating materials, to protect compression system components from high-temperature environments. Evaluate thermal barrier performance and durability through analytical modeling and experimental testing.

Thermal Management Strategies: Develop thermal management strategies to control temperature gradients and thermal stresses within compression system components. Under guidance, implement active and passive cooling techniques, thermal baffles, and heat exchangers to optimize thermal performance while minimizing weight, complexity and cost.

Materials Selection: Collaboratively engage with materials engineers to select high-temperature materials and coatings for compression system components, recognizing the importance of factors such as thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, oxidation resistance, and mechanical properties to ensure compatibility with operating conditions and longevity.

Transient Thermal Analysis: Analyze transient thermal behavior of compression system components during engine start-up, shutdown, and transient operating conditions. Evaluate thermal response times, thermal inertia effects, and thermal cycling fatigue to ensure component durability and reliability.

Risk Assessment: Conduct risk assessments to identify potential thermal issues such as hot spots, thermal gradients, and material degradation. Under guidance, develop risk mitigation plans and collaborate with aerodynamic, structural, and materials engineers to address identified risks.

Documentation and Reporting: Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations to communicate thermal analysis results, design recommendations, and project status to internal stakeholders and customers.

The above listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and may evolve based on skill level, proficiency, and overall performance.

Physical Demands:  

Some lifting, moving instrumentation, performing tests in various areas of the facility required

Must be able to lift, push, or pull at least 35 lbs. 

Regularly required to sit, stand, reach, bend, and move about our facility

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s and preferably Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

5-10 years of experience with engineering thermal sciences, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics for gas turbine engines from a large OEM or supplier.

Good proficiency in thermal analysis software (e.g., ANSYS Icepak, Siemens Simcenter) and CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Siemens STAR-CCM ), and in leveraging them to drive design decisions.

Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX).

Experience with thermal analysis and design of compression system components for gas turbine engines is highly desirable.

Familiarity with high-temperature materials, coatings, and thermal protection systems used in aerospace applications.

Good analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Joining our team as the Thermal Compression Systems Senior Engineer offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced aerospace engine technology, ensuring optimal thermal performance and reliability of compression system components in demanding aerospace applications. If you are passionate about thermal engineering, aerospace technology, and innovation, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dynamic team.

AAP Statement

Hanwha Aerospace USA Corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity or Expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

Subject to change with or without notice*