Lead Engineer: Aerodynamics & Turbomachinery R&D

GE Vernova; Elgin Township (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Discretionary annual bonus

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Job summary

GE Vernova Advanced Research is seeking a Lead Engineer – Aerodynamics to shape the next generation of industrial turbomachinery and energy systems. You will drive R&D from concept through advanced modeling and validation, focusing on aerodynamic performance, operability, aeroacoustics, and flow-path innovation.

The role requires strong leadership in CFD/LES, deep turbomachinery knowledge, and the ability to mentor teams while shaping technological roadmaps for impactful energy solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 5+ years in industry, academia, or national labs.
• 3+ years applying first-principles fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and turbomachinery flow physics.
• 3+ years using commercial and proprietary CFD tools, including LES in HPC contexts.
• 3+ years modeling complex flow phenomena to influence design and hardware performance.
• 3+ years correlating simulations with test data to improve predictive accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead aerodynamics and aeromechanics research for advanced turbomachinery and energy systems.
• Develop and apply high-fidelity CFD and aeroacoustic simulations using proprietary and commercial tools.
• Advance novel component and system concepts from concept to development.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams and external partners to mature breakthrough technologies.
• Coach engineers to grow technical capability and talent.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, identify gaps, and build a strong R&D pipeline.
• Write and lead winning proposals for internal and external programs.
• Build partnerships across academia, government, and industry to accelerate innovation.

Skills

Aero/Fluid dynamics

CFD simulation

HPC

Technical leadership

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD tools

LES methods

HPC environments

Job description

GE Vernova Advanced Research is seeking a Lead Engineer – Aerodynamics to shape the next generation of industrial turbomachinery and energy systems. You will drive R&D from concept through advanced modeling and validation, focusing on aerodynamic performance, operability, aeroacoustics, and flow-path innovation.

The role requires strong leadership in CFD/LES, deep turbomachinery knowledge, and the ability to mentor teams while shaping technological roadmaps for impactful energy solutions.