Lead Engineer - Energy Systems

Job Description Summary

GE Vernova Advanced Research is seeking a Lead Engineer with deep expertise in advanced thermodynamic cycles, power generation systems, and lab- to pilot-scale energy systems demonstrations to develop GE Vernova's next generation of industrial turbomachinery and energy systems. In this role, you will lead the research and development of transformative energy technologies, bridging novel concept development, advanced modeling, and experimental validation and demonstration from lab to pilot scale. You will serve as a technical expert in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and complex energy systems, driving technology from concept to reality.

GE Vernova Advanced Research is a hub for innovation where research and development meet strategy creation, partnership building, and engineering excellence. We're accelerating a new era of available, affordable, and sustainable energy and ambitiously tackling decarbonization, renewables, and electrification with the pioneering spirit needed to enable a zero-carbon future.

You must submit your application for employment on the careers page at careers.gevernova.com to be considered.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and modeling of high-temperature and/or high-pressure thermal and fluid systems, such as advanced and novel power cycles and components.
• Apply advanced CFD and process/cycle modeling tools to design and optimize turbomachinery and energy system components.
• Develop techno-economic analyses (TEA) to evaluate the life cycle economics and performance characteristics of novel components and systems.
• Develop and conduct advanced laboratory-scale tests to validate component and/or system performance.
• Develop design, commissioning, and testing plans, including process and instrumentation diagrams and standard operating procedures, for complex energy systems at lab and/or plant scale.
• Develop and execute R&D proposals for government agencies, such as the DOE and DOD, and external partners.
• Foster collaboration across GE Vernova business units and external partners, including national labs, academia, vendors, and customers.
• Translate experimental data and techno-economic analyses (TEA) into actionable business strategies.
• Patent your inventions and develop a publication record through conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with 3+ years of professional R&D experience in industry, a postdoctoral role at a university, or a national lab.
• Applied Thermodynamics & Thermal Systems: Leveraged over 3+ years of professional experience in analyzing complex thermodynamic cycles, advanced heat transfer phenomena, and fluid mechanics to design, develop, and optimize energy systems.
• Turbomachinery & Energy System Design: Utilized 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, modeling, and performance analysis of critical turbomachinery components and integrated energy systems.
• Concept-to-Development Lifecycle: Applied 3+ years of experience in translating novel research concepts and disruptive technical ideas into tangible component designs and fully integrated system development projects.
• Government-Funded R&D Leadership: Shaping, application, and execution of research proposals over the course of 3+ years, successfully managing relationships, technical milestones, and compliance requirements for government funding agencies (e.g., DOE, DOD, ARPA-E).

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• Due to the nature of the duties of this position, this role requires the individual to be a U.S. Person (i.e. green card holder or U.S. citizen).

• Expertise in the design, analysis, steady-state and transient modeling, testing, and/or development of advanced power cycles.
• Experience in the design and development of experimental test rigs.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations, and patents.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB for data analysis and post-processing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in numerical modeling, including CFD tools such as Ansys, OpenFOAM, and COMSOL, and process simulation tools such as Aspen.
• Experience developing techno-economic analyses (TEA) and life cycle assessments (LCA) for advanced components and complex energy systems to demonstrate technology value, scalability, and marketability.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring graduate students or junior researchers and promoting a culture of technical excellence and safety.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder relationships, including academic partners, national labs, and industrial consortia.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.