Job Description Summary

The Operability Lead Engineer is crucial in developing and qualifying gas turbine engine systems, demonstrating leadership in business goals and processes. Responsibilities include decision-making within defined parameters, immediate issue resolution, short-term planning, and supporting senior staff in long-term planning and data analysis. The role involves engine operability analysis, presenting findings, and contributing to business strategy for Engine Operability.
Operability is a cross-functional engineering discipline balancing business and technical needs to deliver quality products meeting customer and regulatory requirements. It encompasses system requirement identification, design concept creation, trade studies, design selection, implementation, and verification from design to production to operation.

As a Propulsion Operability Engineer, you will be part of the Aerothermal systems design team, supporting next-generation military engine architectures and current products. The role focuses on assessing and predicting engine stability and operational capability across all flight regimes, impacting the quality of work for yourself and the team, with flexibility in task execution based on changing work situations.

Responsible for departmental operations planning/execution or is focused on execution of professional activities within a technical discipline. Functions with some autonomy but guided by established policies or review of end results.
The job allows modification of procedures and practices covering work as long as the end results meet standards of acceptability (quality, volume, timeliness etc.).

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop engine test plans to verify safe operation limits.
• Monitor component and system tests for test vehicle safety.
• Analyze inlet distortion and develop hardware to simulate its impact on engine operation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (aero, performance, systems).
• Execute analysis/evaluation of projects to meet business standards and product/program requirements.
• Document technical data generated for projects/tasks in line with engineering policies and procedures.
• Communicate significant issues or developments promptly.
• Participate in organizational efforts and technical/program reviews.
• Drive unit/system-level functional performance to deliver customer solutions.
• Define and conduct equipment/system testing, identify optimal testing strategies, and report performance per industry standards.
• Engage in research, design, development, and enhancement of technologies for performance, operability, and cost optimization.
• Broaden technical knowledge to execute policy/strategy and support specialized technical fields.
• Understand key business drivers to accomplish work and integrate team efforts.
• Make decisions within a defined framework and consult senior team members for complex issues.
• Develop strong customer relationships and interface with external customers and partners
• Leverage experience in Engine Operability for new product introduction, performance improvements, cost reductions, and problem resolutions.
• Utilize thermodynamic modeling tools to analyze engine performance data and make recommendations.
• Improve gas turbine thermodynamic modeling techniques.
• Work cross-functionally with various engineering disciplines to assess Turbofan engine operability.
• Provide technical leadership and support to project personnel.
• Contribute independently to projects and support senior engineers in advancing Engine Operability technology.
• Provide engineering support for performance, cost reduction, and quality initiatives.
• Lead efforts to resolve field and manufacturing process issues.
• Analyze data using operability tools and protect the company's intellectual property.
• Support technical program managers and mentor less experienced engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited University or College.
• At least 4 additional years of experience in an engineering position
• This role requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. citizenship.

Desired Characteristics

• Enthusiastic about propulsion and aero/thermodynamic disciplines.
• Effective team player and independent worker.
• 4-5 years of aerospace or mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience in aircraft engine testing, cycle performance, or component aero design.
• Proficient in NPSS, Python, or similar programming languages.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to guide and influence others.
• Process-oriented approach.
• Problem analysis and resolution skills.
• Systems thinking.
• Current Secret US security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Experience in engine qualification/certification.
• Experience in gas turbine engine test support and analysis.
• Experience in engine thermodynamic modeling.
• Strong analytical skills in thermodynamics and aerodynamics.
• Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs.
• Established project management skills.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information