Senior Heat Transfer Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering firm is seeking a Senior Heat Transfer Engineer to perform cooling analyses and enhance turbomachinery designs. The position calls for 8+ years of experience in heat transfer, specifically turbine cooling technologies, and requires expertise in engineering software like MSC Easy5 and ANSYS FEA. Successful candidates will engage with advanced designs and mentor junior staff, working in a collaborative environment to drive innovation in the aerospace sector.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of turbomachinery thermal design and analysis experience.
• Proficient in heat transfer physics and engineering principles.
• Experience in all phases of development: conceptual design to field service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct heat transfer analyses for turbomachinery components.
• Participate in technical development and mentor junior engineers.
• Determine methods for assignments and coordinate team activities.

Skills

Heat transfer physics

Turbomachinery thermal design

Cooling design

Engineering software simulation

Hands-on analysis

Team leadership

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MSC Easy5

ANSYS FEA

Job description

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career with a leading turbomachinery and jet engine aerospace engineering company? At Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT), we’re not just about cutting‑edge products; we’re about shaping the future of aerospace innovation. If you’re looking for a workplace that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and expertise, you’ve found your home!

Located in the stunning setting of Jupiter, Florida, FTT is a growing world‑class turbomachinery company with a vibrant team of over 300 engineers and technicians, bringing together more than 4,000 years of combined experience in aerospace (military and commercial), industrial, and space turbomachinery. For 25 years, we’ve been at the forefront of next‑generation technologies, specializing in rocket turbopumps, aircraft engines, and high‑performance jet engines for cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

At FTT, we offer a comprehensive suite of services including design, aerodynamics, performance, heat transfer, rotor dynamics and bearing design, structural analysis, manufacturing, testing, and field support. Our Turbine Technologies division also provides innovative engineering services, testing, and material solutions for military and commercial engines, space propulsion, and industrial power applications.

With additional offices in Derby, UK, and Wildau, Germany, we proudly extend our reputation for engineering excellence to the European marketplace, enhancing our access to cutting‑edge manufacturing capabilities and a robust supply chain.

Our parent company, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, empowers us to leverage cross‑industry capabilities, delivering innovative and cost‑effective solutions that benefit our customers.

We have an immediate opening for a mid‑level to senior‑level Heat Transfer Engineer with multiple years of direct turbomachinery heat transfer experience.

This role is restricted to U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain security clearance. FTT will require proof of status prior to employment.

General Job Summary

The Senior Heat Transfer Engineer will be involved in various cooling, secondary flow and heat transfer analyses tasks of turbomachinery, rocket engine components, and product/process improvements. Actively participates in the engineering discipline's technical development and mentors and oversees technical content of junior engineers.

Essential Job Functions

• Uses computer‑aided software (CAD) to produce initial design and specifications for aircraft components.
• Conducts feasibility studies and testing on new and modified airfoil cooling designs.
• Document changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in‑depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Networks with key contacts outside own area of expertise.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead).
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
• Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and customers, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies.
• Maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities as it pertains to your job.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Technical leadership abilities capable of functioning as key heat transfer specialist and technical focal point.

Experience and Skills

• Proficiency in heat transfer physics and engineering principles with 8+ years of turbomachinery thermal design and analysis experience in turbine components, combustion hardware, and secondary air systems.
• Specialized in turbine airfoil durability, cooling design and thermal lifing. Understanding of cooling technology parameters and uses in scaling and evaluating designs.
• Knowledgeable on how material and coating selection impacts the airfoil design.
• Experienced in iterating with other disciplines and integrated teams to shape and finalize product requirements.
• Skilled in both hand calculations and engineering software simulation of heat transfer, fluid dynamic behavior and correlation with experimental testing.
• Ability to translate analyses into concrete product goals and specifications.
• Skilled at characterizing risk to produce balanced design solutions.
• Experienced in all phases of development: conceptual design, analysis, manufacturing, validation, and field service.
• Awareness of turbomachinery cycle performance drivers and trade factors.

Education and Experience

• BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 8+ years of experience in heat transfer focused on turbine airfoil cooling, durability, and thermal lifing analyses and design.
• Experience with Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT), CFD, additive manufacturing. Proficiency with MSC Easy5 and ANSYS FEA is desired.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, rotating wrist, using tools/equipment).

Travel Requirements

Yes, if applicable.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affimitive Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [e-mail] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.