Principal Turbomachinery Engineer

1w1 week ago

Barber-Nichols

US · Full-time · $165,000 – $200,000

About this role

Barber-Nichols is a leading provider of custom turbomachinery for the Defense, Aerospace, Cryogenics and Energy industries. The Principal Engineer serves as a technical expert ensuring proper turbomachinery trades against customer needs meet system level objectives. Broad expertise across all technical aspects applies intensive knowledge of engineering principles.

Support the full product lifecycle from proposal to nail the concept, feasibility to mitigate risks, development with verification and qualification, and guidance to improve performance. Recent projects include testing a molten salt pump for next generation nuclear reactors on FLiBe and delivering a blower for NASA’s Dragonfly to Titan’s moon. Develop oxygen fans, water pumps, and propellant turbopumps for flight vehicles.

This unique place features people at the top of their game working with top customers to revolutionize markets and build amazing relationships. Operate in a “get-it-done” atmosphere as a world class turbomachinery expert for advanced energy, space, thermal management, defense, and underwater propulsion systems.

Take ownership for early trades on challenging programs, provide technical contributions to core capabilities, and mentor junior team members. Transition from conceptualization to execution while reviewing plans, risks, and deliverables. Lead efforts to meet technical, schedule, and budgetary constraints.

Requirements

Broad expertise across all technical aspects of turbomachinery
Familiarity with sizing and building models for Rankine and Brayton Cycles
In-depth understanding of down-selecting core technologies
Proven track record transitioning from early trades to project execution
Strong contributions to Aero/Hydrodynamic Design of turbines, compressors, fans, blowers, pumps
Knowledge of bearings including Roller Element, Hydrodynamic, Hydrostatic, and foil bearings
Expertise in seals such as Elastomeric, Spring Energized, C-ring, Mechanical Face Seals
Experience with Permanent Magnet and Induction motors

Responsibilities

Serve as technical expert ensuring proper turbomachinery trades against customer needs
Support full product lifecycle from proposal through development, verification, and qualification
Lead early trades and conceptualization efforts for most challenging turbomachinery programs
Size and build models for Rankine and Brayton Cycles to inform customer system design
Down-select core technologies to inform early turbomachinery concept and project strategies
Provide technical contributions in Aero/Hydrodynamic Design, Bearings, Seals, Motors, and Systems Engineering
Take ownership and mentor junior team members on challenging projects
Review project plans, risk assessments, engineering deliverables, and act as Project Engineer Approver