Lead Engineer - Thermal Dynamics

Job Description Summary

The Lead Engineer - Thermal Dynamics in the Aero-Thermal Systems and Clearance Design team will independently lead and execute thermal design and analysis activities for gas turbine and steam turbine components across New Product Introduction (NPI), New Technology Introduction (NTI), research, and product support programs. This role requires deep technical expertise in heat transfer, secondary flow systems, and thermal analysis, along with strong analytical judgment and the ability to own work from concept through design review and final documentation with minimal oversight.
The role also includes developing and improving analysis methodologies, building and validating analysis models, interpreting results with clear engineering insight, and delivering actionable design recommendations. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional global teams to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality outcomes while driving continuous improvement through Lean principles, innovation, and advanced analytical methods

• Independently lead and execute heat transfer, secondary flow, and thermal analysis and design activities for flange-to-flange stationary and rotating components across gas turbine and steam turbine products, applying sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, design practices, procedures, and product requirements.
• Develop deep technical expertise in the thermal design of gas turbine and steam turbine components and apply that expertise to independently solve design and analysis challenges with strong technical judgment and urgency.
• Lead and execute design and analysis work across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases for NPI, NTI, research, and product support programs, with independent ownership and minimal oversight.
• Build, assess, and improve thermal analysis models; independently interpret results; and prepare design review materials with clear conclusions, technical rationale, and actionable recommendations.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs, identify risks, and propose solutions beyond established methods and parameters when appropriate.
• Lead and contribute to design improvement initiatives, technical problem-solving, and root cause analysis related to thermal performance, heat transfer, and secondary flow systems.
• Collaborate effectively with global cross-functional teams, including mechanical, aerodynamic, performance, and clearance engineering teams, throughout the tollgate design process to deliver integrated, high-quality design solutions.
• Drive innovation in thermal design practices and analysis methodologies, including the use of probabilistic methods, digital tools, automation, and AI/ML techniques where relevant to improve product and process outcomes.
• Apply Lean principles in daily execution, improve standard work, and contribute to engineering templates, best practices, and process improvements that reduce rework and improve quality.
• Document technical data, analysis outputs, assumptions, and conclusions in accordance with engineering design templates and established design practices. Ensure complete, accurate, and traceable documentation and model management for assigned projects.
• Continue building deep domain expertise in thermal design for turbomachinery applications and serve as a strong technical contributor within the broader Gas Turbine Engineering Team

• M.Tech., M.E., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Thermal Engineering, Thermal Science, Aerodynamics, Heat Transfer, or a related field, with a strong academic record.
• 4 to 7 years of relevant experience in heat transfer, secondary flow analysis, thermal analysis, or performance analysis for turbomachinery, gas turbines, steam turbines, or related rotating equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in thermal design and analysis of turbomachinery components, including heat transfer and secondary flow systems.
• Experience with engineering tools such as NGT, FlowSimulator, ANSYS Thermal, HyperModel, HyperWorks, CFX, ICEM CFD, or equivalent analysis platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project execution skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively in a global matrix organization and collaborate across functions.

• Strong customer and product mindset, with a focus on quality, operability, and timely execution.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own and execute technical work with minimal support.
• Good understanding of turbomachinery design principles and multidisciplinary interactions.
• Graduate-level exposure to numerical methods, finite element methods, or related analytical techniques.
• Proficiency in one or more programming or scripting languages such as Python, Fortran, Visual Basic, or Java for engineering automation and analysis efficiency.
• Knowledge of AI/ML techniques and their application to gas turbine design engineering is preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in innovation, continuous improvement, and Lean practices.