Lead Turbomachinery Aero Engineer - Shape the Rotating Heart of a New Power Platform

El Segundo, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A seed-stage power generation startup is looking for a Lead Turbomachinery Aero Engineer to own the aerodynamic design of the compressor and turbine stages inside its core power block. The company has hardware in house, testing underway, and a near-term goal of a megawatt-class demonstration unit.

You will work directly with the technical founders and help set system architecture, engineering process, and technical direction. A dedicated rotordynamics lead covers bearings and rotor architecture, which lets you go deep on stage aerodynamics while still shaping how the full rotating assembly comes together. Expect clean-sheet design, rapid hardware iteration, and test data driving each decision.

About Us

We are a venture-backed, seed-stage energy company developing next-generation turbine-based power conversion systems for growing industrial power demand and future clean energy applications. Our team brings deep experience in turbomachinery design, analysis, and testing. Our near-term roadmap includes a natural gas fired MW-class system followed by integration with advanced heat sources. We are based in El Segundo, California, and operate as a small team moving quickly from design to test.

Job Duties

• Lead compressor and turbine aero design from 1D meanline through streamline and full 3D CFD, dividing analysis work with a dedicated turbomachinery analyst.
• Own performance predictions at the design point and across the off-design operating envelope.
• Move rotating hardware toward design release in partnership with the mechanical team on structural, thermal, and detailed design.
• Work with the rotordynamics lead to fold bearing, seal, and rotordynamic constraints into the rotor system.
• Support prototype builds and rig tests, and use test data to drive design updates.
• Work with suppliers to produce rotating hardware that can be manufactured reliably.
• Help hire, mentor, and grow the engineering team.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on design and analysis experience with turbomachinery such as turbines, compressors, turboexpanders, turbochargers, or turbopumps.
• Strong foundation in turbomachinery aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Good judgment on how aero choices affect structural, thermal, rotordynamic, and manufacturing outcomes.
• Proficiency with turbomachinery design and CFD tools (ANSYS CFX or Fluent, CFturbo, AxStream, or comparable).
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, Onshape, CREO, or comparable).
• Clear communicator and leader who enjoys both learning and teaching.

Preferred Experience

• High-speed radial compressor and turbine design.
• Turbomachinery for real-gas or near-critical working fluids, such as supercritical CO2.
• FEA-based structural and thermal analysis of turbomachinery components.
• Detailed mechanical design of rotating parts through released drawings.
• Knowledge of turbomachinery manufacturing methods and high-temperature, creep-resistant alloys.
• Carrying rotating machinery from design into hardware test and validation.
• Mentoring early-career engineers.
• Startup or early-stage company experience.

Why Join Us

• Own the aero design of the core rotating machinery in a first-of-its-kind power system that is already in active testing.
• Work directly with technical founders who bring decades of combined turbomachinery experience.
• Help build the engineering team and its processes from the ground up.
• Meaningful equity ownership.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan.
• Fully stocked kitchen with snacks, coffee, and lunch.

Compensation Details

$180,000 - $260,000 + equity