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Turbomachinery Structural Engineer

Parque Industrial de Elche (Poligono Industrial), Spain

About PLD:

Founded in 2011, PLD Space is a high-tech engineering, manufacturing and service-driven company, with deep track record and expertise in space launch technologies.

We are a trusted global championing industry leader disrupting the pathway to space access. We are on a mission to reach new heights by making space more accessible, supporting missions that will make us smarter, safer and wealthier.

Our purpose is to propel new futures, to enable progress from space and enrich peoples’ lives on Earth, by moving new economies, people and world forward.


Mission

As a Turbomachinery Structural Engineer, you will be responsible for performing a wide range of analyses and assessments related to the structural integrity, performance, and reliability of turbomachinery components and systems, with a focus on ANSYS Mechanical for Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Your mission will involve developing, validate and optimize high-performance turbomachinery designs to support our innovative microlauncher space vehicles.


Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and test turbopump hardware for MIURA 5 first/second stage liquid propellant rocket engines (TEPREL-C and TEPREL-C Vac). 
  • Work closely with the propulsion team to assure functional integration of the turbomachinery components in the engine system.
  • Conduct in-depth Finite Element Analyses (FEA) using ANSYS Mechanical (preferred) for turbomachinery components, including impellers, casings, blades, and other structural elements, to ensure structural integrity, durability, and performance under operating conditions.
  • Conduct analyses on bearings and mechanical seals, evaluate their performance and reliability under varying load conditions, and propose design modifications or improvements as required.
  • Work with cryogenic temperatures in the assessment of material behavior, thermal expansion, and cryogenic sealing requirements for turbomachinery components.
  • Analyze test data from turbomachinery tests, including modal analysis, blade tip timing, and strain gauge measurements, to validate and refine structural models, identify areas for improvement, and optimize component design.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to identify and resolve any manufacturing challenges or issues regarding the turbomachinery components.
  • Conduct material characterization studies to analyze manufacturing capabilities and compatibility of materials for different turbomachinery components, including machining and additive manufacturing processes.
  • Write, review, and update work instructions for assembly, handling, inspection of turbopump assemblies (both intermediate test articles and flight hardware).


Necessary Requirements

  • Aerospace Engineering bachelor’s degree. 
  • > 5 years of experience using FEM analysis in concert with turbomachinery components (ANSYS Mechanical preferred)
  • Fluency in English, both written and oral, and excellent communication skills.
  • Knowledge of FEM software, as well as blade geometry parametrization for turbomachinery components.
  • Experience in one or more of the following:

    • -        Proficiency in rotordynamics analysis and familiarity with relevant software packages for vibration analysis.

    -        Strong understanding of bearings and mechanical seals, their design principles, and analysis techniques.

    -        Experience in material characterization studies, including analysis of material properties and behavior for manufacturing processes such as machining and additive manufacturing.


Desired Requirements

  •  Strong background in turbomachinery design, analysis, and testing, with a specialization in rocket engines.
  • Manage suppliers for the following but not limited assembly/ fabrication tooling support, rotor balance, casting, bearings, and seals.
  • Experience with cryogenic fluids.
  • Familiarity with gas turbine technologies, including their design principles and performance optimization techniques.
  • Familiar with manufacturing capabilities (typical tolerances) and processes: turning, milling, drilling, reaming, EDM, grinding, brazing, welding, 3D printing. Familiar with mechanical seals.


Benefits

Health & Wellness

  • Physiotherapy within our facilities
  • 50% discount on your health insurance
  • You can sign-up your family members with health insurance at a competitive price.
  • Healthy snacks and lots of fruit

Find balance

  • 23 days of paid vacation plus December 24th and 31st
  • Flexible work schedule

Never stop learning

  • We encourage practical learning
  • We promote professional development through internal mobility and teamwork

Focus on your financial future

  • Childcare flexible contributions
  • Restaurant tickets
  • Transport flexible contributions
  • Training support

 

Values

We have five critical beliefs that guide the way PLD Space is shaping the future of space launch technologies.

  • Teamwork.
  • Hard work.
  • Dynamism.
  • Commitment.
  • Keep it simple.

 

Join us to reinvent how rockets are built!



 

 



Apply Now!