Structures Engineer, Rotating Turbomachinery

About the role

The position quantifies structural performance and growth in rotating turbomachinery to define designs that meet efficiency and reliability targets. Cross-functional collaboration shapes required clearances and manufacturable integration for power generation systems. Early influence on system architecture guides turbomachinery decisions for the engineering organization.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Deflections and growth in rotating turbomachinery operation are quantified to set operational limits and design constraints. Turbomachinery components are assessed for structural margin and life to ensure performance under demanding conditions. Cross-functional partners define required clearances, and these inputs guide the development of manufacturable, robust rotor and casing designs.

Requirements

The posting states a minimum of 3 years of experience.

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is mandatory for this role. Three or more years of experience conducting structural analysis of rotating components is required. Proficiency with commercial FEA codes such as Ansys, Nastran, or Abaqus is required. Hands-on experience with high-speed rotating equipment in gas turbines, steam turbines, blowers, turboexpanders, or turbopumps is required.

Practical notes

citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required for applicants. Onsite daily lunch and dinner are provided at the Torrance location. 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 an unfamiliar problem, 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

High-speed rotating machinery plays a central role in converting thermal energy into mechanical power within advanced nuclear systems. Structural analysis and material selection determine integrity, durability, and safety margins for rotating components under extreme conditions. Commercial FEA tools enable detailed simulation of stresses, vibrations, and thermal effects to validate designs. Defining clearances and tolerances balances efficiency, reliability, and ease of manufacturing for complex turbomachinery assemblies.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

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.