Thermo-Aero Engineer I

Job ID: 114731

The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world.

Job Summary

Join our Fitchburg, MA Mechanical Engineering team as a Thermo-Aero Engineer I.

This position is intended for an early career engineer who will support steam turbine performance and flow path development through a combination of thermodynamic and aerodynamic analysis. The role is designed as a growth position for candidates with an aerospace or mechanical engineering background and an interest in thermal-fluid systems, rotating machinery, and multidisciplinary engineering.

The engineer in this role will contribute to analyses, design evaluations, and performance improvement efforts for turbine-related hardware while working closely with mechanical, acoustic, and other engineering disciplines. This blended position provides the opportunity to develop depth in thermo, aero, or integrated performance engineering over time.

What You Will Do

• Support thermodynamic and aerodynamic evaluation of steam turbine components and flow paths.
• Assist with performance analyses used to assess turbine efficiency, flow behavior, and overall system operation.
• Contribute to CFD, thermal-fluid, and related engineering analyses using commercial tools, internal methods, or equivalent approaches.
• Partner with experienced engineers to investigate flow, pressure, temperature, and energy distribution issues within turbine systems and supporting hardware.
• Help develop design trade studies that balance performance objectives with mechanical, structural, manufacturability, and program requirements.
• Support the integration of thermo-aerodynamic design considerations with adjacent engineering disciplines including mechanical, acoustic, and systems engineering.
• Assist in preparing technical reports, presentations, and engineering recommendations based on analysis results.
• Participate in design reviews, problem resolution, and continuous improvement efforts for naval power system products.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, research, or project work in thermal-fluid systems, turbomachinery, propulsion, or related applications.
• Academic or practical background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, aerodynamics, or compressible flow.
• Exposure to CFD, thermal analysis, or performance modeling through coursework, research, internships, or industry experience.
• Interest in applying engineering fundamentals to rotating machinery, steam turbines, gas turbines, or other performance-driven fluid systems.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment and learn from senior engineers across related disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document methods, assumptions, and conclusions clearly.

Helpful Skills and Aptiitude to Grow

• Experience with commercial analysis tools such as Ansys Fluent, CFX, TurboGrid, BladeModeler, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent engineering software.
• Exposure to turbomachinery concepts, energy conversion systems, propulsion, or rotating equipment performance analysis.
• Familiarity with design-of-experiments, parameter studies, or data reduction methods.
• Interest in growing into deeper specialization in thermodynamic analysis, aerodynamic design, CFD, or integrated performance engineering.
• Exposure to defense industry products, Navy applications, or highly regulated engineering environments is beneficial but not required.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $72,754 to $103,895 per year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable).

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.