Lead Gas Turbine Performance and Operability Engineer - DLE Specialist

Summary

The Aeroderivative Performance & Operability Engineering team operates at the intersection of engineering, commercial, and digital domains, covering project execution and model development for thermodynamic performance, emissions, fuel flexibility, and controls. We are launching a multi-year program to modernize the control philosophy for our Dry Low Emissions (DLE) aeroderivative gas turbinesshifting from field-heavy tuning to a physics- and data-informed, model-based control approach.

As the Lead Gas Turbine Controls & Performance Engineer (DLE Combustion), you will own and execute the technical strategy for this transformation. You'll develop and oversee the NPSS model ecosystem (method creation, validation, software release, steady-state and transient applications), status-match models with field data, and architect the next-generation DLE control scheme.

Working hands-on from concept through implementation with our Controls team, you'll reduce variability, cut field tuning time, and improve emissions and operability across the fleet. This is a systems-level role requiring collaboration across a multidisciplinary team to meet the evolving demands of the business and our customers.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Own the Technical Strategy: Define and own the technical roadmap for the next-generation DLE control scheme; set milestones and validation gates aligned to a multi-year investment plan.
• Lead model development of simulations model (NPSS, Cantera, Python, Simulink) that capture physics of performance, operability, and emissions.
• Architect the control logic and produce the definitive concept and requirements package to guide Controls implementation.
• Drive cross-functional execution with Performance, Controls, Systems, Test, and Field teams to validate the strategy through simulation and testing.
• Increase the robustness of the control by integrate improved inputs and observability (e.g., Coriolis fuel metering, airflow characterization).
• Validation & Data Driven: Plan and execute data collection in Test Stand and field; use data to calibrate models, refine strategies, and quantify benefit.
• Identify and manage effectors and constraints (e.g., emissions/NOx, combustion dynamics, stability), expanding degrees of freedom where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• This role requires advanced experience in the Engineering/Technology & Performance Engineering. Knowledge level is comparable to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college ( or a high school diploma with relevant experience).

Desired Characteristics

• Expert-level skills in transient thermodynamic cycle modeling, with extensive hands-on experience in NPSS.
• A deep understanding of gas turbine physics and system operability.
• Proven experience leading technical projects or initiatives.
• Masters or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Track record delivering novel solutions to complex challenges.
• Direct experience with DLE combustion systems and control logic development.
• Experience in advanced control systems.
• Exposure to test planning, instrumentation, and emissions measurement.
• Familiarity with combustion dynamics/acoustics mitigation and emissions compliance.
• Excellent communication skills to convey technical strategy to engineers and non-specialists.