Gas Turbine Performance Engineer: Transient & Operability

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

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