We are seeking an accomplished and technically driven Director of Engine Systems to lead the development, integration, and validation of key propulsion modules—Turbine, Combustor, and Fan—across a portfolio of advanced aero engine programs. The role requires strategic oversight, deep technical expertise, and programmatic leadership to drive innovation, performance, and reliability in engine system development.
System Leadership: Oversee the design, integration, and performance optimization of turbine, combustor, and fan modules within commercial and military propulsion programs.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with aerodynamics, thermal systems, materials, and structural teams to deliver balanced and optimized solutions across all engine modules.
Program Management: Drive technical deliverables across engine development milestones—from conceptual design through rig testing and engine certification.
Supplier & Partner Engagement: Manage technical interfaces with global suppliers and partner organizations contributing to module design and manufacturing.
Technology Strategy: Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps related to hot-section durability, emissions reduction, and fan efficiency improvements.
System Integration: Ensure seamless mechanical and thermal integration of turbine, combustor, and fan modules within the overall engine system.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all module development complies with relevant FAA, EASA, and DoD regulations and certification requirements.
People Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of technical managers, engineers, and analysts across the turbine, combustor, and fan domains.
Turbine Module: Advance technologies in high-pressure and low-pressure turbines with focus on cooling strategies, advanced blade designs, coatings, and durability under high-cycle fatigue environments.
Combustor Module: Lead low-emissions combustor development (LEAN-burn, RQL) with emphasis on thermal efficiency, NOx reduction, fuel flexibility (including SAF and hydrogen), and combustion stability.
Fan Module: Drive aerodynamic and structural optimization of fan blades and cases for next-gen high bypass ratio engines, geared turbofans, and open rotor configurations.
Thermal and Structural Integration: Optimize cooling architectures, thermal barrier coatings, and structural resilience across high-temperature zones.
Additive & Advanced Manufacturing: Implement additive design strategies for combustor liners, turbine vanes, and lightweight fan components to reduce weight and production time.
System Modeling & Simulation: Oversee integrated system simulations (CFD, FEA, thermo-mechanical modeling) to validate performance and reduce physical testing cycles.
Sustainability: Embed design-for-sustainability principles, supporting initiatives to reduce fuel burn, emissions, and lifecycle maintenance cost.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (Ph.D. preferred).
15+ years of experience in gas turbine engine development with a focus on one or more key modules: turbine, combustor, or fan.
Demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary teams in propulsion system design and delivery.
Deep understanding of thermal management, aerodynamics, fatigue life prediction, and combustion processes.
Familiarity with FAA/EASA certification requirements (e.g., FAR Part 33) and propulsion system safety standards.
Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience with next-gen propulsion systems (hybrid-electric, hydrogen propulsion).
Familiarity with digital twin frameworks and integrated system modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS, CFX, ABAQUS, NPSS).
Experience working on multinational development programs or with government-funded R&D (e.g., NASA, DoD, Clean Aviation).
Recognized thought leadership (conference presentations, patents, industry collaboration).