Sr. Principal Gas Turbine Performance Engineer (San Diego, CA)
About The Position
This role is for a Sr. Principal Gas Turbine Performance Engineer focused on AI-Accelerated Engineering. The engineer will work at the intersection of engine physics, product decisions, and real operating data, building performance models and software that influence various stages of product lifecycle, from definition to field operations. The Gas Turbine Performance Group leads advanced cycle studies, delivers calibrated performance predictions, and oversees performance during engine development. They also support production and testing, and provide tools for product support teams. A key mission is building and maintaining the ecosystem of models, workflows, automation, and data pipelines that translate thermodynamics, test, and field data into decisions. This includes developing transient cycle models and physics tools that form the basis for AI-enabled digital twins, aiming to improve service intervals, cycle-count capability, and efficiency through operational flexibility.
Requirements
- B.S. / B.Eng. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or closely related field) plus 8+ years applying thermodynamics and performance engineering to real-world problems.
- Strong foundation in gas turbine performance and thermodynamics (cycles, maps, matching, operability concepts, off-design behavior).
- Demonstrated ability to work through ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality results under schedule pressure.
- Clear written and verbal communication—ability to explain model assumptions, results, and risk to both technical and non-technical partners.
- Proven habit of finishing work with thoroughness and reliability (validation, documentation, and follow-through).
Nice To Haves
- M.S. (or equivalent experience) with a specialty in gas turbine performance, aerodynamics, or closely related area.
- Deep experience with modeling, calibration, and troubleshooting of gas turbine performance/operability in steady state and/or transient.
- Strong engineering software skills—building scripts, code, or automation that makes other engineers faster and improves quality.
- Familiarity with controls and control logic (or willingness to partner closely with controls teams).
Responsibilities
- Analyze acceptance test and fleet/field datasets to trend performance, troubleshoot issues, and monitor aeromechanical/operability behavior across product lines.
- Build, calibrate, and defend steady-state and transient performance models for new products, upgrades, and investigations.
- Develop and maintain internal software used across design, sales/applications, customer services, overhaul, and customer sites.
- Apply modern AI techniques to speed up calibration and uncertainty exploration, enable anomaly detection and diagnostics, create reduced-order models grounded in physics, and support digital twin workflows using physics-guided learning.
- Collaborate with design, controls, test, operations, and digital teams to solve urgent problems and build long-term capability.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
- 401(k) savings plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
- Career Development
- Incentive bonus
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
