Gas Turbine Performance Engineer

Belcan; Blue Ash (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Belcan is seeking a Gas Turbine Performance Engineer in Cincinnati, OH to analyze, model, and evaluate aerospace propulsion systems with emphasis on transient engine performance and operability. The role focuses on cycle modeling using NPSS and related tools to ensure safety, reliability, and performance across the operating envelope.

Responsibilities include developing NPSS-based models, running simulations, validating outputs, and collaborating with controls, systems, and test teams to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering required.
• 2+ years of experience in gas turbine performance, propulsion modeling, aero-thermal analysis, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with NPSS or equivalent engine performance modeling tool.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine thermodynamics, cycle analysis, engine component behavior, and performance metrics.
• Experience performing both steady-state and transient engine analysis.
• Familiarity with operability concepts including surge margin, flameout margins, mechanical/thermal limits, and airflow management.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Ability to interpret engine test data and correlate with models.
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Active Secret clearance preferred; ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain NPSS-based cycle models.
• Perform mission data generation, engine data processing, NPSS input preparation, simulation execution, and post-processing.
• Validate model outputs through sanity checks, trend analysis, and comparison against historical or test datasets.
• Convert and update binary cycle model versions as needed; ensure configuration consistency and traceability.
• Conduct transient performance simulations including start, acceleration, deceleration, throttle changes, altitude/temperature shifts, and shutdown events.
• Analyze time-dependent behavior of engine parameters (spool speeds, temperatures, pressures) and control system responses (fuel flow, variable geometry).
• Assess transient stability and system margins to ensure safe transitions between operating states.
• Identify risks such as surge, over-temperature, over-speed, and recommend mitigations.
• Evaluate engine performance across the full operating envelope, including surge margin management, flameout avoidance, hardware limits, and environmental constraints.
• Support definition and maintenance of engine operability margins for both steady-state and transient conditions.
• Collaborate with controls, systems, and test teams to ensure operability requirements flow down appropriately.
• Prepare technical documentation, publishing results clearly for internal or customer consumption.
• Support test data correlation, anomaly investigation, and predictive studies.
• Interface with cross-functional teams including performance, controls, mechanical design, systems engineering, test, and certification.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies.

Skills

NPSS

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

NPSS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

A Gas Turbine Performance Engineer job is currently available through Belcan in Cincinnati, OH to support the analysis, modeling, and evaluation of aerospace propulsion systems. This role focuses on transient engine performance, operability assessment, and cycle model development using NPSS and other industry-standard tools. The ideal candidate will work across mission analysis, engine modeling, control-system interactions, and operability evaluations to ensure engines meet safety, performance, and reliability requirements across the entire operating envelope.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and maintain NPSS-based cycle models.
• Perform mission data generation, engine data processing, NPSS input preparation, simulation execution, and post-processing.
• Validate model outputs through sanity checks, trend analysis, and comparison against historical or test datasets.
• Convert and update binary cycle model versions as needed; ensure configuration consistency and traceability.

Transient Analysis

• Conduct transient performance simulations including start, acceleration, deceleration, throttle changes, altitude/temperature shifts, and shutdown events.
• Analyze time-dependent behavior of engine parameters (spool speeds, temperatures, pressures) and control system responses (fuel flow, variable geometry).
• Assess transient stability and system margins to ensure safe transitions between operating states.
• Identify risks such as surge, over-temperature, over-speed, and recommend mitigations.

Operability Evaluation

• Evaluate engine performance across the full operating envelope, including surge margin management, flameout avoidance, hardware limits, and environmental constraints.
• Support definition and maintenance of engine operability margins for both steady-state and transient conditions.
• Collaborate with controls, systems, and test teams to ensure operability requirements flow down appropriately.

General Responsibilities

• Prepare technical documentation, publishing results clearly for internal or customer consumption.
• Support test data correlation, anomaly investigation, and predictive studies.
• Interface with cross-functional teams including performance, controls, mechanical design, systems engineering, test, and certification.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies.

Required Qualifications:

• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is REQUIRED
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in gas turbine performance, propulsion modeling, aero-thermal analysis, or similar discipline.
• Hands-on experience with NPSS or an equivalent engine performance modeling tool.
• Strong understanding of gas turbine thermodynamics, cycle analysis, engine component behavior, and performance metrics.
• Experience performing both steady-state and transient engine analysis.
• Familiarity with operability concepts including surge margin, flameout margins, mechanical/thermal limits, and airflow management.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Ability to interpret engine test data and correlate with models.
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Active Secret clearance preferred; ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with aerospace propulsion systems at major OEMs or tier-one suppliers.
• Knowledge of engine controls, FADEC logic, and fuel-scheduling strategies.
• Experience with additional modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Background in operability analysis, including compressor maps, bleed schedules, and variable-geometry actuation.
• Familiarity with engine test planning, instrumentation, and post-test performance assessment.
• Understanding of certification requirements (FAA/EASA) for propulsion systems.

Compensation:

Belcan provides a competitive pay and benefits package. Benefits offered may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and paid leave required by law. Salary guidelines for similar roles at Belcan are $70,000 to $100,000.Guidelines vary based on many factors, including but not limited to education, qualifications, experience, discipline, geographic location, market and business considerations.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local laws.

www.belcan.com

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