Lead Engineer - Mechanical (Clearances)

Job Description SummaryThe Lead Engineer – Clearances in theAero-Thermal Systems and Clearance Design team will independently lead and execute clearance design and analysis activities for gas turbine and steam turbine components across New Product Introduction (NPI), New Technology Introduction (NTI), research, and product support programs. This role requires deep technical expertise in clearance design, strong analytical judgment, and the ability to own work from concept through design review and final documentation with minimal oversight.
The role also includes developing and improving analysis methodologies, building and applying clearance assessment methods, interpreting results with clear engineering insight, and delivering actionable design recommendations. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional global teams to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality outcomes while driving continuous improvement through Lean principles and innovation.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Independently lead and execute clearance design and analysis activities for flange-to-flange stationary and rotating components across gas turbine and steam turbine products, applying sound engineering principles and adhering to business standards, design practices, procedures, and product requirements.
• Own the development, application, and continuous improvement of clearance analysis methods and design practices to meet product performance, operability, reliability, and durability requirements.
• Lead and execute design and analysis work across conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases for NPI, NTI, research, and product support programs, with independent ownership and minimal oversight.
• Build, assess, and improve clearance analysis approaches; independently interpret results; and prepare design review materials with clear conclusions, technical rationale, and actionable recommendations.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate design trade-offs, identify risks, and propose solutions beyond established methods and parameters when appropriate.
• Evaluate the effects of thermal growth, mechanical deflection, manufacturing variation, assembly stack-up, transient operation, and operating environment on component clearances and overall product behavior.
• Lead and contribute to root cause analysis, field issue resolution, and design improvement initiatives related to clearance performance, operability, leakage, rubs, and component interaction.
• Collaborate effectively with global cross-functional teams, including mechanical, aerodynamic, thermal, performance, structures, and systems engineering teams, throughout the tollgate design process to deliver integrated, high-quality design solutions.
• Drive innovation in clearance design practices and analysis methodologies, including opportunities to improve productivity, design quality, technical rigor, and engineering standard work through digital tools and process improvements.
• Apply Lean principles in daily execution, improve standard work, and contribute to engineering templates, best practices, and process improvements that reduce rework and improve quality.
• Document technical data, analysis outputs, assumptions, and conclusions in accordance with engineering design templates and established design practices. Ensure complete, accurate, and traceable documentation and model management for assigned projects.
• Continue building deep domain expertise in clearance design for turbomachinery applications and serve as a strong technical contributor.
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, M.Tech., or M.E. in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, with a strong academic record.
• 4 to 7 years of relevant experience in clearance design, mechanical analysis, turbomachinery design, rotating equipment, or related engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in clearance analysis, mechanical design, or engineering evaluation of stationary and rotating component interaction.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project execution skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Proficiency in programming for engineering applications, with working knowledge of Python or Excel VBA or equivalent coding languages (beginner level) for data analysis
• Ability to work effectively in a global matrix organization and collaborate across functions.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to break down complex engineering problems, evaluate multiple solution paths, and make informed, data-driven decisions
• Good understanding of turbomachinery design principles and multidisciplinary interactions.
• Strong understanding of the interaction between thermal, mechanical, aerodynamic, and manufacturing effects on component clearances.
• Established project management skills, including planning, prioritization, and execution of assigned deliverables.
• Ability to document technical work clearly and consistently, including analysis assumptions, methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide informal guidance to new team members.
• Demonstrated interest in innovation, continuous improvement, and Lean practices.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools, data interpretation, and design review processes is preferred.
• Strong customer and product mindset, with a focus on quality, operability, and timely execution.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own and execute technical work with minimal support.

Additional Information