Job Description
Role: Head of Aerodynamics
Industry: Gas Turbines / Distributed Power Generation
Location: San Francisco, CA (5 days onsite)
Salary: Competitive + Significant Equity + Relocation Assistance
We are exclusively partnered with a venture-backed engineering company developing next-generation turbines for distributed power generation.
As the company scales, they are looking for a Head of Aerodynamics to lead the aerodynamic design of a clean-sheet compressor and play a critical role in the development of an entirely new power generation platform. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, own a core subsystem from concept through production, and build the Aerodynamics function as the business scales.
*Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Responsibilities 🔨
- Lead the aerodynamic design of the compressor from concept through production.
- Define compressor architecture, stage count and blade profiles using meanline design, CFD and detailed aerodynamic analysis.
- Optimize designs for efficiency, surge margin, manufacturability and overall system performance.
- Work closely with combustion, turbine and generator engineers to develop an integrated machine.
- Correlate CFD predictions with hardware testing and drive continuous design improvements.
- Make key engineering decisions around design maturity and readiness for manufacturing.
- Take ownership of an entire subsystem rather than an individual component.
- Initially operate as a hands-on technical leader before building and growing the Aerodynamics team.
Qualifications 📑
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent
- Strong turbomachinery aerodynamic design experience.
- Experience designing gas turbines or aerospace propulsion systems
- Experience designing compressors from first principles.
- Hands-on experience using ANSYS CFX, Numeca or equivalent CFD software.
- Strong understanding of compressor efficiency, surge margin and manufacturability.
- Experience taking aerodynamic designs through hardware testing and correlating CFD with physical results.
- Past experience working at a startup
Nice to Haves
- Previous leadership or people management experience.
Why Apply? 🎉
- Own the aerodynamic design of a clean-sheet gas turbine from concept to production.
- Build and lead the Aerodynamics function as the business scales.
- Join at an early stage with significant equity upside.
- Backed by leading venture capital and deep-tech investors.
Hit "Apply Now" for further details if you meet the criteria above, or send your resume directly to a.michaels@pipermaddox.com.