Staff Mechanical Engineer, Turbomachinery

Karman Industries • Los Angeles, CA

5h

About The Position

Karman Industries is seeking an experienced Staff Mechanical Engineer, Turbomachinery to lead the design, development, and integration of rotating machinery for the next generation of heat processing systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for end‑to‑end ownership of turbomachinery components and systems—including compressors, turbines/expander stages, seals, bearings, and high‑speed rotating assemblies—used within the Heat Processing Unit (HPU) platform and future product lines.
This role requires deep technical expertise in turbomachinery aerodynamics, rotor dynamics, thermal‑mechanical analysis, and high‑speed system integration. You will drive the full lifecycle from conceptual design and first‑principles modeling through prototype build, testing, and productionization. We value first‑principles thinking, hands‑on problem solving, accountability, and close collaboration with cross‑functional partners to deliver cohesive, high‑performance systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in end-to-end turbomachinery design, analysis, and testing (compressors, turbines, expanders, or high‑speed rotating systems).
• Strong proficiency with CAD tools (Siemens NX or equivalent).
• Knowledge of aerodynamic design principles, rotor dynamics, and turbomachinery thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience building, assembling, or testing rotating hardware.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, tolerancing, and high‑speed system considerations.
• Highly self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities with excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 8+ years of relevant experience
• Direct experience with turbomachinery CFD, 1D cycle modeling, and performance simulation tools.
• Proficiency with FEA tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, NASTRAN, or similar.
• Knowledge of high‑temperature, high‑pressure fluid systems, steam cycles, or thermodynamic cycle optimization.
• Experience taking turbomachinery concepts from initial design through production and field operation.
• Familiarity with manufacturing environments, including machining, rotor assembly, balancing, and quality control.
• Experience with high‑speed electric motors, magnetic bearings, or permanent‑magnet machine integration.
• Programming experience in Python or similar languages for analysis, automation, or simulation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and analysis of high‑speed turbomachinery components including compressors, turbine/expander stages, volutes/diffusers, seals, and bearing systems.
• Develop aerodynamic and thermodynamic models to predict performance, efficiency, operability, and off‑design behavior of rotating components.
• Perform rotor dynamic and structural analyses to ensure high‑speed system stability, durability, and reliability.
• Own turbomachinery integration into the overall heat processing system, ensuring alignment with thermal, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and manage complex CAD assemblies, detailed component models, and engineering drawings for prototypes and production hardware.
• Lead and support test campaigns, including instrumentation planning, test stand definition, data analysis, and performance correlation.
• Guide suppliers and internal manufacturing teams in the fabrication, balancing, and assembly of high‑speed rotating hardware.
• Ensure designs meet performance targets, cost objectives, reliability standards, and program schedules.
• Apply creativity and first‑principles reasoning to develop novel solutions that challenge conventional turbomachinery designs.
• Contribute to roadmap development for next‑generation compressors and expanders tailored for industrial heat electrification applications.

Benefits

• In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

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