Senior Engineer, Compressor Mechanical

About POWERTECH

POWERTECH is a center of excellence for propulsion technologies, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of combustion engines, expendable turbojet engines, and turbofan engines for aerospace, defence, and autonomous applications. Our solutions support fixed- and rotary-wing UAVs as well as other advanced platforms, driving innovation and performance in aerospace propulsion.

Job Summary:

The Senior Mechanical Engineer – Compressor Systems will lead the mechanical development of compressor hardware across multiple stages, with a focus on delivering robust, high-performance, and manufacturable solutions for both low- and high-pressure compressor (LPC/HPC) modules in modern turbofan engines. The role encompasses design responsibility for rotating and static components, integration with cross-functional teams, and lifecycle support from concept through production and in-service maturity. This position demands strong expertise in turbomachinery mechanics, structural integrity, and engineering excellence across advanced aerospace propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design & Development

• Lead design efforts for key compressor components, including:
• Rotor discs, drums, and spools
• Blades and vanes (airfoils, dovetails, roots, platforms)
• Cases, spacers, shafts, and retention hardware
• Seal segments, shrouds, and tip clearance features
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using CATIA, NX, or equivalent systems.
• Ensure design compliance with structural, vibratory, thermal, and aerodynamic requirements for all mission phases.

Structural Analysis & Optimization

• Collaborate with structural and lifing teams to assess:
• Static stress, fatigue (LCF/HCF), creep, and fracture tolerance
• Modal and harmonic response of rotating and stationary components
• Tip rub, blade flutter, and structural damping behavior
• Support design trade studies, margin assessments, and weight-reduction initiatives while maintaining reliability and certification standards.

Manufacturing & Producibility

• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to components produced via forging, casting, machining, and additive manufacturing.
• Define tolerances, surface treatments, coatings, and interface specifications.
• Coordinate with internal manufacturing teams and suppliers to resolve fabrication issues, tooling challenges, and cost targets.
• Participate in manufacturing readiness reviews, root cause analysis (RCA), and design iteration loops.

Documentation & Certification

• Generate detailed design documentation, including:
• Component definition drawings, stack-ups, and specifications
• Engineering reports for internal reviews and customer/stakeholder presentations
• Certification support packages for FAA, EASA, and military authorities
• Prepare and participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with:
• Aerothermal engineers on flowpath integration and stage matching
• Structural and dynamics teams on safe design margins
• Materials and process engineers for alloy selection, coatings, and durability
• Test and validation teams for rig and engine-level test execution
• Integrate compressor hardware into broader engine system architecture and ensure compatibility with adjacent modules.

Innovation & Technology Development

• Drive the development and adoption of advanced mechanical features such as:
• Integrally bladed rotors (IBRs/blisks)
• Lightweight structures using advanced alloys or composites
• Non-traditional tip clearance and blade retention methods
• Apply lessons learned and continuous improvement practices to reduce cycle time, improve durability, and enhance performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering required
• Master’s degree preferred, with concentration in turbomachinery or structural mechanics
• 7–10 years of mechanical design experience in turbomachinery, with a focus on compressor components
• Demonstrated success through full development lifecycle: concept, design, validation, production, and field support

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in CAD modeling tools (CATIA, NX)
• Familiarity with FEA tools and structural validation methods (ANSYS, Abaqus)
• Strong understanding of rotating machinery dynamics, vibration, and stress behavior
• Knowledge of FAA/EASA certification standards and aerospace design best practices
• Proficiency in GD&T, tolerance analysis, and technical documentation

Preferred:

• Experience with high-speed rotating components and complex assemblies
• Familiarity with advanced cooling methods, rub-tolerant seals, or compressor surge management
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing for rotating hardware or seals
• Understanding of digital thread, PLM systems, or model-based engineering

Personal Attributes:

• Strong mechanical intuition and engineering judgment
• Proactive problem-solver with ability to balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• Excellent collaboration skills, with experience working in multi-disciplinary environments
• Detail-focused, quality-driven, and responsive to fast-paced development cycles
• Passion for innovation and continuous technical growth

#POWERTECH