Senior Turbomachinery Engineer

About the role

This position leads rotordynamics analysis and validation for aerospace turbomachinery. The role defines testing, models, and manufacturing outputs to close performance gaps for high-speed systems. You will own the critical path for rotor dynamic integrity, ensuring that test data directly refines predictive models. The position requires deep collaboration with propulsion cycle analysts and mechanical designers to align system behavior with hardware constraints. You will translate complex interaction effects between aerodynamics and structural dynamics into actionable design changes. Success in this role is measured by your ability to reduce performance uncertainty and accelerate hardware qualification. You will act as the technical owner for rotordynamics from early concept through final validation.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define and execute rotordynamic validation test campaigns so that measured data confirms computational models and refines system designs for performance and reliability.

Develop computational models in StarCCM+ and AxSTREAM, applying rotordynamic constraints to geometry and system-level decisions to predict behavior under operating conditions.

Assess the interaction between compressor maps and mechanical behavior under dynamic loading using propulsion cycle tools such as GasTurb and NPSS to ensure cycle stability.

Perform mechanical validation for vibration, whirl, and rotor response using test instrumentation, data reduction techniques, and trend analysis to identify risk patterns.

Apply blade and compressor geometry development methods using CFD, streamline curvature, and 1D meanline methods in StarCCM+ and AxStream to support design trade studies.

Operate Siemens NX CAD for rotating assemblies, ensuring that design intent is maintained when integrating mechanical, thermal, and fluid physics requirements.

Implement Python and MATLAB scripting to automate analysis workflows and post-processing, improving repeatability, traceability, and team efficiency.

Lead cross-functional design reviews by presenting technical findings in clear terms, enabling alignment between engineering, manufacturing, and system teams.

Contribute to system architecture discussions by providing rotordynamics insights that influence component selection, balance requirements, and test strategy.

Balance autonomy with structured collaboration, working independently on analysis tasks while synchronizing decisions with team objectives.

Use specialized tools such as DyRoBes for rotordynamic modeling, integrating results into broader system simulations to support hardware decisions.

Maintain and improve analysis methods by documenting procedures, updating models, and incorporating lessons learned from test and field data.

Support continuous improvement by proposing updates to validation processes, tooling, and standards that increase confidence in turbomachinery performance.

Act as a technical liaison for hardware testing, ensuring that test articles are instrumented and measured to capture the necessary dynamic response data.

Requirements

Five or more years of turbomachinery design experience is required, with demonstrated ownership of rotordynamic analysis and mechanical packaging on real hardware in aerospace environments.

Hands-on experience with rotordynamic modelling tools such as DyRoBes or equivalent is used to predict system behavior through practical application and integration with other analysis methods.

Blade and compressor geometry development methods using CFD, streamline curvature, and 1D meanline methods in StarCCM+ and AxStream are applied to define and iterate on design concepts.

Mechanical validation for vibration, whirl, and rotor response is performed using test instrumentation, data reduction, and interpretation to ensure designs meet performance and safety criteria.

Compressor mechanical behavior and cycle performance coupling is understood through experience with propulsion cycle tools such as GasTurb and NPSS, including map integration and transient effects.

Siemens NX is used to operate CAD for rotating assemblies, with multiphysics analysis evaluating design choices related to stress, stability, and manufacturability.

Python and MATLAB scripting implements analysis and post-processing automation to improve efficiency, repeatability, and clarity of results across project phases.

Effective communication skills enable leading cross-functional design reviews and contributing to system architecture discussions with clarity and precision.

A Bachelor's degree is required, and candidates must demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical engineering problems in a team setting.

You must be able to work in San Francisco five days per week to maintain close collaboration with on-site partners and ensure alignment across engineering functions.

The role requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience, and your background should show tangible evidence of owning analysis activities that impact hardware decisions.

You should be comfortable working with detailed models, test data, and design constraints while maintaining a high standard of accuracy in your deliverables.

Your experience should reflect the use of industry-standard tools and methods for turbomachinery analysis, including rotordynamics, structural dynamics, and system integration.

Practical notes

This role requires in-office presence five days per week to foster collaboration and strengthen culture.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down unfamiliar problems, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Work in a fast-paced aerospace environment that values engineering excellence and pragmatic execution. Use generalist skills and specialist depth within a flat, collaborative team. Rely on tools such as StarCCM+, AxSTREAM, GasTurb, and NPSS for analysis and simulation. Balance autonomy with cross-functional communication during design reviews and system discussions.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.