What are the responsibilities and job description for the Combustion Component Engineer position at PROENERGY?
Combustion Component Engineer
About PROENERGY
PROENERGY is a global and vertically integrated energy transition platform. Focused exclusively on fast-start, dispatchable power, our company supports both energy security and renewable growth with complete turbine services, project development, equipment manufacturing, turnkey generation facilities, operations, and maintenance.
Our Footprint
We are primed for the energy transition with permanent service locations in Missouri, Texas, and Argentina. Our world-class Missouri headquarters is purpose-built to meet dispatchable power needs. It sits on 90 acres in Sedalia and features more than 600,000 sq. ft of service capacity under roof, which includes the only independent Level-IV aeroderivative depot and string-test facility in the world. Our Houston, Texas, office is a strategic satellite positioned near our own dispatchable power installations.
Our Philosophy
We take care of our people and strive to make a positive difference for the world. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life/Disability Insurance at minimal cost to the employee, 10 paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401K plan. If you are looking for a rewarding career and possess specialized knowledge and quality-oriented problem-solving skills, we encourage you to apply today.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Combustion Component Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, and optimization of combustion systems in gas turbines. Your work will ensure that the combustion process is efficient, stable, and meets emissions standards while supporting the overall performance and reliability of the turbine. You will collaborate with a cross-functional team to drive innovations in combustion technology, focusing on improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and optimizing turbine performance.
Position Responsibilities
- Design and optimize combustion systems for gas turbines, including combustors (assembly of dome, swirlers, cowls and liners), fuel nozzles, igniters, and flame stabilization systems.
- Work with aerodynamics engineers to ensure proper airflow and fuel distribution within the combustion chamber for optimal performance.
- Evaluate and optimize combustion system components to meet efficiency, emissions, and durability requirements while operating under varying load conditions.
- Perform analysis (e.g., stress, strain, fatigue, life) to ensure combustion components can withstand operational loads, thermal gradients, and mechanical stresses.
- Perform detailed analysis and simulations of combustion processes, including flame stability, combustion efficiency, and pollutant formation (NOx, CO, unburned hydrocarbons).
- Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and other modeling tools to analyze combustion behavior and optimize designs.
- Support combustion testing and validation through physical tests, including gas turbine rig testing and field data analysis, to verify combustion system performance and emission levels.
- Ensure that combustion system designs meet environmental regulations and emission standards (e.g., NOx, CO, particulate matter).
- Collaborate with environmental engineers and regulatory bodies to develop strategies for reducing emissions while maintaining performance and fuel efficiency.
- Research and implement advanced combustion technologies (e.g., dry low NOx (DLN) combustion systems, staged combustion, lean premixed combustion) to meet stringent emissions standards.
- Evaluate the effects of different fuels (e.g., natural gas, liquid fuels, biofuels) on combustion performance and design.
- Work closely with fuel system engineers to ensure the combustion system is compatible with a wide range of fuels, including alternative and renewable fuels.
- Study the effects of fuel composition variations on flame characteristics, combustion stability, and emissions.
- Collaborate with materials and structural engineers to ensure that the combustion system components can withstand high temperatures, pressure cycles, and thermal gradients.
- Optimize the thermal management of the combustion system to prevent overheating and reduce component wear.
- Work with thermal engineers to ensure proper cooling of combustion components and maintain operational stability.
- Keep up to date with emerging combustion technologies and industry trends to drive innovations in turbine combustion systems.
- Conduct research on advanced combustion techniques to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend turbine component life.
- Contribute to the development of new designs, technologies, and methods for combustion optimization in future turbine models.
- Collaborate with aerodynamics, performance, and mechanical engineers to integrate combustion system designs with other turbine components, ensuring overall system optimization.
- Provide support during turbine integration, ensuring that the combustion system works seamlessly within the larger turbine architecture.
- Prepare detailed technical reports, design specifications, analysis results, and test documentation.
- Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to management and cross-functional teams.
- Contribute to the preparation of project deliverables, including presentations, proposals, and design documents.
- Identify opportunities to improve the combustion system design, materials, and processes to enhance turbine performance and reduce operational costs.
- Suggest modifications or improvements to address any performance issues or failures related to the combustion system.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) are preferred.
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in combustion system design, optimization, and analysis for gas turbines or other high-performance combustion systems.
- Experience with CFD tools for combustion analysis (e.g., ANSYS or similar).
- Familiarity with combustion technologies, including low-emissions combustion, premixed and diffusion flame systems, and advanced combustor designs.
- Experience in combustion modeling, performance analysis, and system optimization.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks) for component design and engineering finite element analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS or similar).
- Strong background in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer as they apply to combustion systems.
- Experience with fuel flexibility studies, emissions control strategies, and regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with advanced materials used in high-temperature combustion applications.
- Knowledge of combustion testing procedures and equipment, including burner rigs and gas turbine test beds.
- In-depth knowledge with drawing GT&D in alignment with manufacture and repair of combustion components.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex combustion-related challenges.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to present complex technical information to various stakeholders.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally with multiple engineering teams.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on ensuring the accuracy of design and analysis results.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Detail-oriented, with the ability to balance the need for performance, manufacturability, repairability and cost.
- Familiarity with ISO standards, ASME, or aerospace-specific regulations (e.g., AMS, ASTM) is highly desirable.
- US work authorization is a precondition of employment. The company will not consider candidates who require sponsorship for a work-authorized visa.
- Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background check
It is PROENERGY’s policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, national origin, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law.
