Lead Preliminary Cycle Design & Methods Engineer

GE Aerospace • Evendale, OH

1d

About The Position

In this role, you will be part of the Preliminary Cycle Design team, partnering closely with Commercial Engine Project and Engineering organizations to shape and launch GE’s next generation of commercial propulsion systems. You will work across both novel and derivative engine architectures, helping to define concepts that drive performance, efficiency, and sustainability for future products. The primary focus of this position is to develop, enhance, and maintain NPSS-based thermal cycle models for next generation engine concepts. You will collaborate with Preliminary Design and Methods teams to: • Build and refine analytical NPSS thermal models for emerging engine architectures • Diagnose and resolve model issues, ensuring robustness, stability, and fidelity • Optimize model structure and code for speed, usability, and scalability • Create and document modeling approaches that can be reused across programs Beyond model development, you will also lead and support design space trade studies using these tools. You will: • Explore and compare alternative engine cycles and configurations • Quantify key performance, operability, and technology trade-offs • Provide data-driven insights to guide GE strategic focus areas, shape customer requirements and proposal evaluation criteria, and influence technology investment priorities This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on modeling, solving complex system-level problems, and translating analysis into strategic recommendations that directly impact the future of commercial aviation. As a Lead Preliminary Design & Methods Engineer, you will play a key role in defining GE’s next generation of commercial engine concepts. You will lead the development and improvement of advanced thermal cycle models, collaborate with cross-functional design and methods teams, and translate analysis results into clear recommendations that shape product architectures and technology roadmaps. In this role, you will combine deep technical modeling expertise with systems-level thinking to drive design trade studies, resolve complex model issues, and influence both customer proposals and GE’s long-term technology investments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university
• Minimum 3–5 years of engineering experience, preferably in propulsion, performance, thermal systems, or related analytical domains
• At least 2 years of hands-on coding experience in Python, C++, or another object-oriented programming language
• Foundational aero-thermal background or working knowledge of jet engine performance / cycle modeling (coursework, projects, or industry experience)
• Strong interest and aptitude for coding, with enthusiasm for building and improving analytical tools and models
• Process-oriented mindset, with demonstrated ability to follow, improve, and help standardize methods and workflows
• Proven problem-solving skills, including comfort working on open-ended, complex technical challenges with incomplete information
• Passion for continuous improvement, with a natural inclination to identify issues, drive root-cause investigation, and implement sustainable fixes
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
• 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)).

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of hands-on coding experience, ideally in support of analytical tools, methods, or modeling workflows
• Proficiency with NPSS, Python, C++, or similar programming languages, with the ability to quickly learn new tools and frameworks
• Background in methods development or system-level modeling, with a focus on creating, maintaining, and improving analytical tools
• Experience with NPSS-based engine cycle modeling, including building, debugging, and refining models
• Proficiency with modern software practices, such as version control (e.g., Git) and working within structured, collaborative development environments
• Strong interest in propulsion and aero-thermodynamics, with a desire to apply analysis to real-world engine concepts and technologies
• Passion for mentorship and learning, including giving and receiving coaching, sharing best practices, and supporting the growth of junior engineers
• Ability to work effectively in both global, cross-functional teams and independently, managing priorities across multiple projects
• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university
• Experience in engine cycle modeling and/or component aerodynamic design, preferably on commercial or military gas turbine engines
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to guide, influence, and align stakeholders without direct authority
• Process-oriented approach to work, with a track record of defining, improving, and following standard methods and workflows
• Experience planning and managing technical efforts or workstreams, including documentation, schedule coordination, and stakeholder communication
• Strong problem analysis and resolution skills, with a structured approach to diagnosing issues and implementing robust solutions

Responsibilities

• Lead programs & projects working with internal & external customers to create propulsion solutions for the next generation of aircraft across a wide range of commercial products, including business, regional, narrow-body, and wide-body aircraft.
• Build, optimize & execute aero-thermal models of new concept & derivative engines, aligning input from component design teams to customer requirements.
• Partner with Preliminary Mechanical Design engineers to build multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO)
• Coordinate with a cross-functional team of adjacent disciplines (aero, mechanical, systems) to assess technology capability & maturity in support of business objectives.
• Communicate with leadership to help shape the future propulsion strategy.
• Execute the analysis and evaluation of assigned projects that meet business standards, practices and procedures, and the product or program requirements.
• Ensure proper documentation of models developed for the assigned projects and tasks consistent with engineering policies and procedures.
• Provide timely communications on significant issues or developments to program and engineering leadership.
• Participate in organizational efforts in assigned projects and tasks including establishment of processes and best practices.
• Participate as a presenter or reviewer in technical and program reviews across engine programs.
• Lead the GE Aviation cultural transformation coaching and mentoring, fostering inclusive environments, and driving a systematic approach to Lean.

Benefits

• GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.
• GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
• GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening.
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
• Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level