Lead Design Engineer - Combustion Aerodynamics

GE Aerospace; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Health Coach

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

GE Aerospace is seeking an experienced engineer to contribute to the aerodynamic design of main combustors for military aircraft engines. You will work from concept through analysis, rig testing, and hardware integration, collaborating with combustion, mechanical design, and test teams.

The role involves CFD analyses, testing planning, and presenting findings at design reviews. A background in aerodynamics/combustion with 3+ years is expected; security clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma/GED with at least 7 years of experience in Engineering)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Aerodynamics or Combustion Engineering
• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with focus on combustion, fluid mechanics, and/or propulsion (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the aerodynamic design of main combustors, starting by supporting senior engineers and growing into leading design efforts as you build experience.
• Support next-generation combustion technologies in partnership with enterprise stakeholders, helping align technology development with future product and customer needs.
• Contribute to technology maturation through analysis and testing that advances new concepts toward transition into engine programs.
• Perform aerodynamic and CFD analyses (e.g., ANSYS Fluent) to evaluate design options and predict combustor performance.
• Support combustor rig and engine testing, including test planning, data reduction, and review; use results to validate models and improve designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support hardware design and test.
• Prepare clear technical presentations and communicate them at design reviews and to program leadership and customers.
• Document analyses, test results, and lessons learned so they become reusable knowledge for the team.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Combustion Engineering

ANSYS Fluent

CAD (Siemens NX)

Python/ MATLAB scripting

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Siemens NX

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Role Overview

Join the Military Combustion & Aero Technologies team and help shape the main combustors that power next-generation military aircraft. Reporting to the team manager, you will contribute to combustion aerodynamic design across turboshaft, turboprop, turbofan, and turbojet engines, from early concept through analysis, rig testing, and hardware. You will also help mature new combustion technologies toward product programs. You'll work alongside experienced Combustion, Mechanical Design, and Test Engineers on programs that matter to national defense, and you'll have room to take on more technical ownership as your experience grows.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Contribute to the aerodynamic design of main combustors, starting by supporting senior engineers and growing into leading design efforts as you build experience.
• Support next-generation combustion technologies in partnership with enterprise stakeholders, helping align technology development with future product and customer needs.
• Contribute to technology maturation through analysis and testing that advances new concepts toward transition into engine programs.
• Perform aerodynamic and CFD analyses (e.g., ANSYS Fluent) to evaluate design options and predict combustor performance.
• Support combustor rig and engine testing, including test planning, data reduction, and review; use results to validate models and improve designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to support hardware design and test.
• Prepare clear technical presentations and communicate them at design reviews and to program leadership and customers.
• Document analyses, test results, and lessons learned so they become reusable knowledge for the team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma/GED with at least 7 years of experience in Engineering)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Aerodynamics or Combustion Engineering

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. government security clearance
• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on combustion, fluid mechanics, and/or propulsion
• Experience with gas turbine combustor design, analysis, or testing
• Experience with technology development or maturation programs
• Proficiency with ANSYS Fluent or similar CFD tools
• Experience with CAD modeling, preferably Siemens NX
• Programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for automating analysis and processing data
• A collaborative problem solver who listens well, communicates clearly, and works effectively across disciplines within broad team
• Self-motivated, curious, and driven to deliver high-quality results

The base pay range for this position is $95,000 - $145,000 USD. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close by November 3, 2026.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.

• Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace
• the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
• Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time -off for vacation or illness

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes