Chief/Fellow Performance Engineer

About the Company

Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT) is a leading turbomachinery and jet engine aerospace engineering company based in Jupiter, Florida. With a team of over 300 engineers and technicians, FTT specializes in rocket turbopumps, aircraft engines, and high-performance jet engines for cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The company offers services including design, aerodynamics, performance, heat transfer, rotor dynamics, structural analysis, manufacturing, testing, and field support. FTT operates additional offices in Derby, UK, and Wildau, Germany, and is a subsidiary of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions.

About the Role

The Chief/Fellow Performance Engineer is a part-time, remote position focused on providing technical oversight for performance analyses in support of engine development and testing programs. This role involves active participation in programmatic and test data reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to the conceptual design and optimization of turbomachinery performance cycles.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual design and optimization of turbomachinery performance cycles (air breathing engines, rocket turbopumps, and industrial gas turbines) using NPSS and GatesCycle modeling codes.
• Close coordination with Integrated Product Teams (IPT) on design limits of components related to turbomachinery performance.
• Review and supervise feasibility studies and testing on new and modified turbomachinery designs.
• Document changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
• Resolve complex issues using professional concepts and company objectives.
• Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Network with key contacts outside your area of expertise.
• Work on complex issues requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and coordinate activities of other personnel.
• Guide or direct support personnel in the preparation of detailed design, design testing, and prototype fabrication.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
• Work with customers to define and document requirements, address technical concerns, and provide project status.
• Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, and the public while adhering to company policies.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (proof of status required prior to employment).
• BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 25+ years’ experience in turbomachinery aerodynamic design and analysis.
• Proficiency in NPSS or GatesCycle codes.
• Proficiency in programming codes (C, C++, Java, Fortran, Matlab) is strongly desired.
• Strong understanding of aerodynamic physics and engineering principles, including practical design limitations.
• Experience in all phases of development: conceptual design, analysis, validation, test, and correlation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the role.

Work Environment

• Office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, rotating wrist, using tools/equipment).
• Travel may be required.