Research Engineer 1

MIT • Cambridge, MA

8d

About The Position

The Research Engineer 1 will work in the MIT Gas Turbine Laboratory (GTL) within Aeronautics and Astronautics, contributing to aerospace power and propulsion research. The role focuses on turbomachinery research and collaboration with faculty, students, industry, and government partners.

The engineer will design and develop wind tunnels, turbomachinery cascades, and experimental infrastructure, and conduct research involving megawatt-class electrical machines, turbofan engines, and turbopump inducers. The role also includes operating GTL facilities and test rigs, performing engineering analyses and mechanical design, numerical modeling, instrumentation, and data acquisition. The engineer will publish and present research, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and support experimental design, troubleshooting, research documentation, proposals, and presentations. The position requires managing assigned tasks, providing weekly progress updates, and collaborating with industry and government sponsors.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• At least two years of relevant research experience, including graduate research.
• Expertise in turbomachinery, propulsion, rotordynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and experimental design.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, CFD, and FEA.
• Demonstrated research publications, project management, collaboration, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Proposal-writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop wind tunnels, turbomachinery cascades, and experimental infrastructure.
• Conduct research on megawatt-class electrical machines, turbofan engines, and turbopump inducers.
• Operate GTL facilities, including the De Laval air system and turbomachinery test rigs.
• Perform engineering analyses, mechanical design, numerical modeling, instrumentation, and data acquisition.
• Publish findings and present research at conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Support experimental design, troubleshooting, research documentation, proposals, and presentations.
• Manage assigned tasks and provide weekly progress updates.
• Collaborate with industry and government sponsors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree