Lead Engineer - Aerodynamics

GE Vernova•Elgin Township, IL

1d•$98,400 - $164,000•Onsite

About The Position

GE Vernova Advanced Research is looking for a Lead Engineer – Aerodynamics to help shape the next generation of industrial turbomachinery and energy systems. In this role, you’ll drive breakthrough R&D from early concept development through advanced modeling and validation, with a focus on aerodynamic performance, operability, aeroacoustics, and flow path innovation. At GE Vernova Advanced Research, innovation meets real-world impact. Our teams are accelerating the future of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy by tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges in decarbonization, renewables, and electrification.

Requirements

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline with 5+ years of professional R&D experience in industry, a postdoctoral role at a university, or a national lab.
3+ years of professional experience applying first-principles fluid mechanics, advanced aerodynamics, and turbomachinery flow physics to optimize high-performance energy systems.
3+ years of experience leveraging commercial and proprietary CFD toolsets, including proficiency in high-fidelity Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approaches and the development of advanced computational methods in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
3+ years of experience investigating, modeling, and providing critical engineering insights into complex physical flow phenomena (such as secondary flows, transition, or turbulence) to influence design and hardware performance.
3+ years of demonstrated success in correlating computational simulation results with physical test data to validate design models and improve predictive accuracy for energy systems.
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., a green card holder or U.S. citizen).

Nice To Haves

Ability to develop and apply computational methods including RANS, URANS, and LES
Experience (3+ years) in multi-stage compressor and/or turbine aerodynamic design and analysis
Experience (3+ years) in flutter and forced response, coupled cavity acoustics and aero forcing function modeling
Experience (3+ years) in multiphase flow analysis for steam, ammonia, or supercritical CO₂ systems
Familiarity with phase-boundary behavior, real-fluid effects, and non-ideal fluid systems
Demonstrated capabilities in integrating aerodynamic, mechanical, and/or rotor dynamic considerations in early-stage designs
Ability to develop and apply steady and unsteady aerodynamic methods to evaluate performance and operability challenges in turbomachinery and other energy systems.
Demonstrated capability in the use of AI and scientific machine learning to automate and accelerate design, computational methods, and workflows.
Demonstrated research impact through publications, patents, and/or technical presentations.
Ability to collaborate across research and engineering teams to mature technologies for practical applications.
Experience developing technical ideas with external customers and a track record of converting ideas into high-impact programs that deliver value to customers.

Responsibilities

Lead innovation in aerodynamics and aeromechanics for advanced turbomachinery and energy systems.
Develop and apply high-fidelity CFD and aeroacoustics simulations using both proprietary and commercial tools.
Turn bold ideas into reality by evaluating and advancing novel component and system concepts.
Guide multidisciplinary teams of researchers and external collaborators to mature breakthrough technologies.
Coach and mentor engineers, helping grow technical talent and strengthen team capability.
Shape technology strategy by contributing to roadmaps, identifying capability gaps, and building a strong R&D pipeline.
Write and lead winning proposals for internal and external programs focused on improving component performance and system operability.
Build partnerships across academia, government, and industry to expand collaboration and accelerate innovation.

Benefits

medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
tuition assistance
adoption assistance
paid parental leave
disability benefits
life insurance
12 paid holidays
permissive time off