Sr. Principal Compressor Aerodynamics Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. The Gas Compressor Aerodynamics group has technical responsibilities for the aerodynamic design and testing of Solar’s gas compressor products, and detailed definition of aerodynamic flow path components. This role develops compressor flow path designs and compressor stage predictions for customer applications. Centrifugal, mixed flow impellers and static flow path components are designed to match our turbines and meet customer's needs in pipeline and production compressors. The group supports new compressor programs and core products, test stand and field support. The candidate is expected to develop new tools, methods, and designs to support Solar Turbines product goals. In addition, the candidate is expected to perform production air tests, PTC-10, development closed loop testing planning, evaluation and post processing of test results. The successful candidate supports new equipment sales, aftermarket sales, and field performance issues as needed for all gas compressor models. Manufacturing and supply chain support for bladed components is required to ensure schedule, cost, and performance are met. The successful candidate shall communicate and interact well with design, product support, operations, supply chain, and rotor dynamics. In addition to detailed design, test support and performance modeling is also a responsibility. Factory and development test support and analysis of centrifugal compressors to support sales predictions and guarantees is a major product responsibility. The successful candidate will: Actively apply principles, theories, and concepts with his/her engineering and analytical skills working in a tight-knit team Develop analytical tools / software to improve aerodynamic design and predictive capabilities Be highly engaged in team discussions and brainstorming activities Work effectively in inter/intra-disciplinary team settings

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
8+ years of gas compressor or equivalent industry/turbomachinery experience.
In-depth experience with using meanline 1-D, 2-D, 3-D aero design tools and methods to design gas compressor aerodynamic components.
Proficiency in Python, C, C++, Perl or other similar tools.
Expertise interfacing with other design disciplines to develop aerodynamic techniques.
Willingness to multitask and handle complicated and challenging tasks effectively and consistently.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
Hands-on experience with the following software: Matlab, Ansys CFX, Fluent, Fortran/Python programming
In-depth knowledge of Thermodynamics, boundary layer theory, turbulence modeling and eddy simulations as applied to high speed turbomachinery
9+ years of relevant industry experience in gas compressor aerodynamics
Familiarity with machine learning and optimization algorithms as applicable to aerodynamic design
Demonstrated experience with automation of design processes including CFD pre- and post-processing
Experience with Ansys CFX, Fluent, Star CCM and other CAD software
Experience with using Concepts NREC software and prior history of validation of CFD & meanline models with test data
Knowledge of manufacturing methods, dimensioning and tolerancing, and ProE/CREO experience for product development in industrial turbomachinery
Knowledge of instrumentation (static pressure taps, dynamic pressure transducers, flow angle measurement) from test rigs, and validation with modeling
Proven experience with troubleshooting aerodynamic performance on industrial turbomachinery