Structural/Thermal Analyst – Turbine Blade and Casing Design

The Mid-Level Structural/Thermal Analyst will be responsible for performing advanced structural and thermal analyses of turbine blades, vanes, and casings. The role involves evaluating the mechanical integrity and thermal performance of rotating and stationary turbomachinery components under high-temperature, high-stress environments. The engineer will contribute to component life prediction, failure analysis, and design optimization across various turbine platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Perform nonlinear static, transient, and thermal FEA of turbine blades and casings using software like ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent.

  • Conduct thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF), creep, and vibration analysis to assess life-limiting conditions.

  • Lead the development of analysis models, including meshing, load definitions, boundary conditions, and material assignments.

  • Collaborate with design, aerothermal, and materials teams to incorporate thermal loads, flow conditions, and temperature profiles.

  • Support the design optimization of components based on structural and thermal constraints.

  • Analyze blade tip dynamics, shroud interactions, casing deformation, and stress concentrations.

  • Interpret and validate results using engineering judgment and correlate with test or field data where applicable.

  • Generate detailed technical reports, design reviews, and documentation in accordance with QA standards.

  • Contribute to root cause failure investigations involving blade cracks, creep rupture, or thermal distortion.

  • Mentor junior analysts and participate in cross-functional technical discussions.

Key Focus Areas:

• • High-Temperature Structural Integrity – Creep, TMF, and LCF analysis of turbine hot-section parts

  • Heat Transfer and Thermal Gradient Analysis – Conduction, convection, and radiation effects on blades/casings

  • Blade and Casing Interaction Modeling – Tip rub, differential expansion, and vibration-induced contact

  • Material Behavior at Elevated Temperatures – Nickel superalloys, thermal coatings, oxidation/corrosion effects

  • Design for Manufacturability and Service Life – Supporting design iterations with performance-based recommendations

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering

  • 3–7 years of experience in structural/thermal analysis for turbomachinery or rotating equipment

  • Proficiency with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, HyperMesh) and understanding of CFD-structural coupling

  • Strong knowledge of fatigue, fracture mechanics, and high-temperature material behavior

  • Working experience with blade design cycles, heat soak analysis, and modal behavior predictions

  • Good understanding of industry standards (ASME, ISO, OEM-specific guidelines)

  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams

  • Excellent written and verbal communication for technical documentation and presentations

Preferred Experience:

• • Background in gas or steam turbine applications, especially in aerospace, marine, or power generation sectors

  • Familiarity with design validation testing, strain gauge measurements, and thermocouple data correlation

  • Experience with automation of analysis workflows using Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages

  • Exposure to rotor dynamics, casing creep modeling, or combustor-affected heat flow