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Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Airfoils-Staff Responsible Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$143K/yr

Airfoils-Staff Responsible Engineer Location: Brisbane , CA Pay range: $143,000/yr $68.75/hr Shift ... aerodynamic design of axial-compressor and turbine airfoils across the engine: transonic, mid- and ...

Prattwhitney

$100 - $125/hr

Maintain, improve, and develop techniques, methods, and standards for the aerodynamic design of ... Perform verification and validation of compressor, turbine, and fan performance maps for relevant ...

Samson Rose

Lead Turbomachinery Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Lead the aerodynamic design of compressors and turbines , from preliminary meanline design through streamline analysis and 3D CFD. * Own aerodynamic performance prediction across both design-point ...

Samson Rose

$200 - $250/hr

Lead the aerodynamic design of compressors and turbines , from preliminary meanline design through streamline analysis and 3D CFD. * Own aerodynamic performance prediction across both design-point ...

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Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer information

What does a turbine aerodynamic design engineer do?

A Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing the aerodynamic performance of turbine components, such as blades and vanes, used in gas or steam turbines. They use computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind tunnel testing, and other analysis methods to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure structural integrity. Their work is crucial in industries like aerospace and power generation, where turbine performance directly impacts energy output and operational costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a turbine aerodynamic design engineer?

To thrive as a Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, advanced knowledge of fluid dynamics, and experience with turbine design principles. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, 3D CAD tools, and data analysis systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure innovative, efficient, and reliable turbine designs that meet performance and safety standards in highly technical industries.

What are some common challenges faced by turbine aerodynamic design engineers during the development process?

Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing blade shapes to achieve maximum efficiency while meeting strict safety and durability requirements. Balancing aerodynamic performance with manufacturability and cost constraints can be complex, especially when integrating new materials or working with advanced computational tools. Collaborating closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, and testing specialists is essential to address these challenges and ensure that designs perform as expected in real-world conditions.

What is the difference between Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer vs Gas Turbine Mechanical Engineer?

AspectTurbine Aerodynamic Design EngineerGas Turbine Mechanical Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing blade aerodynamics and airflow for turbinesDesigning and maintaining mechanical components of gas turbines
Required SkillsFluid dynamics, aerodynamics, CFD analysisMechanical design, thermodynamics, materials science
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design offices, testing facilitiesManufacturing plants, maintenance, testing facilities
Industry UsagePower generation, aerospace, industrial turbinesPower plants, aerospace, energy sectors

The Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer primarily focuses on airflow and blade aerodynamics to improve turbine efficiency, while the Gas Turbine Mechanical Engineer handles the mechanical aspects of turbine components. Both roles require engineering credentials and are vital in turbine development, but they emphasize different technical skills and responsibilities within the same industry.

What are popular job titles related to Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs?

For Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Turbine Aerodynamic Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Turbine Aerodynamics Design Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Solar Turbines Incorporated
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Solar Turbines Incorporatedexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with other design disciplines to ensure aerodynamic designs meet program requirements for manufacturability, cost, durability, and performance.

  • Develop and apply analytical tools or software to improve aerodynamic design and predictive capabilities.

  • Participate in the development and maintenance of design systems, methods, and tools related to turbine aerodynamics.

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
The Turbine Aerodynamics Group has technical responsibility for the the aerodynamic design and analysis of Solar's gas turbines, including preliminary and detailed definition of flow path and airfoils, preliminary and detailed design of turbine exhaust diffusers and collectors, and qualification test planning and execution. The Turbine Aerodynamics Group supports new engine programs and core products, including uprates and upgrades, and further supports the timely resolution of product durability, manufacturing and field issues. The Group also develops and maintains many of their own methods and tools, in addition to utilizing commercially available software. The Turbine Aerodynamics Engineer will collaborate frequently with the Mechanical Design, Heat Transfer and Performance Groups to ensure that designs meet program requirements for manufacturability, cost, durability and performance. He/She will also participate in the development and maintenance of design systems, methods and tools to accomplish the Group accountabilities.
The successful candidate will:
  • Actively apply principles, theories, and concepts with his/her engineering and analytical skills working in a tight-knit team
  • Develop analytical tools / software to improve aerodynamic design and predictive capabilities
  • Be highly engaged in team discussions and brainstorming activities
  • Work effectively in inter/intra-disciplinary team settings

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
  • Several years of relevant gas turbine aerodynamics experience
  • Current experience and familiarity with 1-D, 2-D and 3-D aero design tools and methods
  • Proficient with coding using Python, C, C++ or similar tools
  • Experience interfacing with other design disciplines to develop aerodynamic technologies
  • Willingness to multitask and handle complicated and challenging tasks efficiently

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
  • Advanced gas turbine aerodynamics experience
  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art aerodynamic technologies applicable to cooled and uncooled turbine blades and nozzles
  • Demonstrated experience with automation of design processes including CFD pre- and post-processing
  • Experience with ANSYS CFX, and/or STAR CCM, and geometry-creation tools including Creo

Domestic relocation is available for this position.
This full-time position requires working onsite 5 days a week
Target Salary Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Annual incentive bonus opportunity
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 20, 2026 - October 2, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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