Senior Turbomachinery Aerodynamics Engineer

About POWERTECH

POWERTECH is a center of excellence for propulsion technologies, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of combustion engines, expendable turbojet engines, and turbofan engines for a wide range of aerospace, defence, and autonomous applications, including fixed- and rotary-wing UAVs and other advanced platforms.

Job Overview

Powertech Abu Dhabi is seeking an accomplished Senior Turbomachinery Aerodynamics Engineer to join our Advanced Fluid Systems team. This role offers the opportunity to lead and shape the aerodynamic design and development of next-generation turbomachinery for propulsion and power generation applications.

You will play a pivotal technical leadership role, driving aerodynamic innovation across centrifugal and axial compressors, fans, and turbines. From early concept definition through detailed CFD analysis, rig testing, and validation, you will contribute across the entire product lifecycle while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, suppliers, and customers. This is an ideal role for an engineer passionate about advancing high-performance fluid and propulsion technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Aerodynamic Design & Development

• Lead the aerodynamic design and optimization of centrifugal and axial turbomachinery, including compressors, fans, and turbine components.
• Serve as technical owner for at least one major module: High-Pressure Compressor (HPC), Low-Pressure Compressor (LPC), or Fan.
• Design and optimize airfoils, blade rows, and flowpaths to meet performance, efficiency, durability, and operability targets.
• Develop 1D meanline and throughflow models, generate bladed geometries, and produce detailed aerodynamic performance maps.
  
  

• Conduct high-fidelity CFD simulations using ANSYS CFX, Fluent, and NUMECA Fine/Turbo for on-design and off-design conditions.
• Generate high-quality computational meshes using ICEM, TurboGrid, and AutoGrid.
• Analyze complex flow phenomena including stall, surge, secondary flows, high Mach number effects, FSI, flutter, and conjugate heat transfer (CHT).
• Support aerodynamic design of high-flow coefficient and high-speed turbomachinery applications.
  
  

• Lead and support development activities across concept design, detailed analysis, rig testing, and validation phases.
• Define test objectives and advocate for component and subsystem rig testing where required.
• Participate in test planning, execution, data reduction, and post-test analysis.
• Analyze rig and engine test data, including performance characterization and stall mapping.
• Assess as-built hardware, correlate experimental results with analytical predictions, and recommend design improvements.
  
  

• Contribute to turbine aerodynamic design and Research & Technology (R&T) initiatives.
• Ensure aerodynamic performance and mechanical integrity requirements are met throughout turbine development.
• Support the development and maturation of advanced turbine aerodynamic technologies.
• Collaborate closely with aerothermal, structural, and mechanical design teams to deliver fully integrated solutions.
  
  

• Contribute to the development of aerodynamic toolchains, automation frameworks, and multidisciplinary workflows.
• Work closely with aerothermal, stress, mechanical design, manufacturing, and test teams.
• Interface with suppliers to support design, manufacturing, and validation activities.
• Engage with internal and external customers to resolve technical issues and implement corrective actions.
  
  

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
  
  

• 8+ years of hands-on industry experience in turbomachinery aerodynamic design and development.
• Strong experience with aero gas turbine turbomachinery.
• Demonstrated experience across the full product lifecycle—from concept to validation.
• Proven ability to mentor and guide early-career engineers and contribute to technical leadership.
  
  

• Strong foundation in turbomachinery aerodynamics, heat transfer, and gas turbine performance.
• Proficiency with ANSYS CFD tools (CFX, Fluent, NUMECA Fine/Turbo, STAR CCM+); experience with NUMECA is a plus.
• Experience with geometry and meshing tools such as ICEM, TurboGrid, and AutoGrid.
• Proficiency in CAD tools, with Siemens NX strongly preferred.
• Experience with Python or similar scripting languages for automation and data analysis.
• Comfortable working in Linux-based environments.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools.
  
  

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with customers.
• High level of professionalism and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information, in compliance with company and government requirements.