Gas Turbine Research Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Gas Turbine Research Engineer to join a multidisciplinary research team advancing the development of low-NOx gas turbine combustion systems fueled by ammonia. This full-time, on-site position is located at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Research & Development facility in Pittsburgh, PA. The role involves supporting R&D efforts to demonstrate and evaluate the use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) to enable and optimize ammonia combustion for industrial applications.

The selected candidate will collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, subject matter experts, faculty members, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students across DOE national laboratories, U.S. government laboratories, universities, industry partners, and research organizations. Responsibilities include contributing to written reports, journal articles, and regular meetings to communicate research findings and innovations.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate flame stability and emissions performance with and without non-thermal plasma (NTP).
• Generate data and validate models for ammonia and ammonia-blend fuels in fundamental and applied burner configurations.
• Use advanced laser diagnostic techniques in both single- and two-stage burner configurations.
• Validate plasma generation flame speed and species concentration profiles.
• Test and characterize plasma generation in inert gases.
• Characterize parameters such as laminar flame speed (by heat flux burner method), global emissions, and heat loss in a two-stage burner configuration.
• Generate manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in both modeling and experimental investigation of engines, combustors, gas turbines, and other energy-related systems.
• Direct experience with a variety of fuels, including methane (natural gas), ammonia, and hydrogen.
• Experience with nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) plasmas.
• Data processing and model development using MATLAB, Python, and/or C++.
• Understanding of safe laboratory practices, including handling of compressed gases, heat sources, high voltage, and toxic/flammable materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient technical writer with a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret research data and clearly report results.
• Ability to author and/or co-author reports, manuscripts, and articles suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to balance competing and changing priorities.
• Ability to meet federal site access requirements for work at NETL facilities.

Travel to the NETL R&D facility in Morgantown, WV is required approximately 3–4 times per month.

Willing to sponsor work authorization for the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-pressure combustion systems.
• Experience with rich-quench-lean (RQL) combustor architectures.
• Experience with laser and optical diagnostics (e.g., optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy).
• Understanding of chemical kinetics, including ignition and laminar burning velocity.
• Experience with commercial software including LabVIEW, ANSYS Fluent, ZDPlaskin, Bolsig+, and/or Massive OES.
• Active participation in conference and journal peer review, committees, or similar academic service.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $81,600 – $116,300 per year. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work arrangement with 60% in-office and 40% remote (common in-office days are Monday and Tuesday).
• Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care, and family formation support.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 5% employer contribution (for most employees) and matching contributions.
• Tuition assistance for pursuing higher education.