Mechanical Engineer II – Secondary Air Systems & Whole Engine Modelling Full-time

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 aerospace, defense, and autonomous applications, including UAV platforms.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer II – Secondary Air Systems (SAS) & Whole Engine Modelling (WEM) is responsible for developing and supporting transient thermo-mechanical models that capture the full engine behaviour across mission cycles. The role focuses on building and integrating 2D whole engine models and 1D secondary air systems networks to predict thermal behaviour, component clearances, and structural interactions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Whole Engine Modeling (WEM)

• Develop and maintain 2D axisymmetric thermo-mechanical models of gas turbine engines
• Translate 3D engine geometry into efficient 2D representations, capturing key thermal and structural features
• Implement transient mission profiles, including:
  • Startup, acceleration, steady-state, shutdown, and cooldown
• Support correlation of model results with test data and refine assumptions

2. Secondary Air Systems (SAS) Modeling

• Develop 1D SAS network models including:
  • Cooling flows
  • Leakage paths
  • Cavities and sealing systems
• Integrate SAS models with WEM to capture convective heat transfer and transient interactions

3. Simulation & Tools Development

• Use and support tools such as:
  • ANSYS (thermal/FEA)
  • NX Thermal / Thermal Desktop
• Develop and maintain simulation workflows using:
  • Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting tools
• Automate:
  • Model setup
  • Boundary condition updates

4. Cross-Functional Integration

• Interface with:
  • Mechanical design
  • Aerothermal / CFD
• Gather inputs including:
  • Geometry, materials, and coatings
  • Operating conditions and mission cycles
• Provide outputs to support:
  • Clearance analysis
  • Structural deformation and life assessment

5. Testing & Validation

• Support engine and rig test campaigns
• Compare model predictions with measured data

6. Documentation & Knowledge Sharing

• Document:
  • Model assumptions and inputs
  • Boundary conditions and correlations
  • Validation and verification results

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 4–7 years of experience in:
  • Gas turbine thermal modelling
  • Secondary air systems or whole engine modelling