Role Overview
The Advanced Turbine Cooling Design Engineer leads the design and development of advanced cooling solutions for turbine blades and vanes in aviation gas turbine engines. This role is responsible for creating and optimizing cooling architectures, validating designs through analysis and test, and driving solutions from clean-sheet concept through hardware realization. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this engineer translates thermal and flow analysis into durable, manufacturable designs that perform in extreme environments. The role also serves as a technical leader, guiding cooling strategy, solving complex test and field issues, and mentoring junior engineers while advancing the use of additive manufacturing and other modern production methods.
What You'll Do...
- Lead the design and development of advanced thermal management and cooling solutions for high-performance turbine blades and vanes in aviation gas turbines
- Develop and optimize 3D cooling architectures (e.g., serpentine passages, impingement arrays, pin-fins) using 1D and 2D tools which you will help develop
- Design, analyze, and validate film cooling layouts, including hole shape, size, orientation, and pattern distribution, for maximized cooling effectiveness
- Generate and interpret 1D, 2D, and/or 3D computational models to inform design decisions and drive optimization
- Specify and select advanced materials and thermal barrier coatings to improve component life and resistance to extreme thermal environments
- Translate simulation results into actionable design modifications, collaborating closely with cross-functional aerodynamics, structures, materials, and manufacturing teams
- Develop and execute detailed test plans for validation of cooling schemes, including design and commissioning of test hardware, instrumentation layouts, and measurement techniques (e.g., thermocouples, infrared imaging, flow visualization)
- Analyze experimental and engine test data to correlate with analytical models; identify and resolve discrepancies
- Lead root cause investigations of cooling-related issues from engine tests or field operation—propose, prototype, and validate corrective actions
- Ensure designs are manufacturable and compatible with advanced processing techniques (precision casting, additive manufacturing, laser drilling, etc.)
- Mentor and guide less-experienced engineers; provide technical leadership on cooling projects from concept through certification
- Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and design documentation for internal reviews and customer meetings
You have...
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university or college
- At least 8 years of experience in gas turbine component design with a concentration in advanced turbine cooling designs.
- Experience developing and executing tests for validation of cooling schemes, including design and commissioning of test hardware, instrumentation layouts, and measurement techniques
- Experience in clean sheet blade and vane cooling design
- Understanding of turbine cooling methods
- Experience working with additive manufacturing technologies and familiarity with design for additive manufacturing principles
- Passion for additive technology and willingness to challenge current design limitations to further exploit the benefits of additive capability
- Strong oral and written communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Demonstrated problem solving ability and strong program leadership and execution skills
- Proven self-starter and quick learner who can work in fast-paced cross-functional teams
- The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issues security clearance is required. U.S. Citizenship is required, as only U.S. Citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Nice to have...