Aerodynamics and Loads Engineer

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Category: Engineering
Location: New Orleans, LA

Summary

Gulf Wind Technology (GWT) is dedicated to improving the economic performance of operational wind farms by pioneering innovation in the design and manufacture of wind turbine blades. Gulf Wind Technology team members have the experience and expertise to deliver innovation to products that meet the needs of the Wind Energy Industry.
Gulf Wind Technology is looking for a passionate engineer looking to solve some of the most pressing challenges in the Wind Energy Industry. The ideal candidate is comfortable working through complex technical programs, applying a principled approach to the aerodynamic design and loads analysis for wind turbine blades.
Candidates should seek to be hands on and involved with the product from inception to design, prototype and manufacturer, and field validation and operation.
The Aerodynamics and Loads engineer will be accountable for the design and modeling of wind turbine airfoils and blades, driving a strong link between aerodynamic performance, blade structural response and optimization, and turbine system loads.
The Aerodynamics and Loads Engineer will participate in both wind tunnel and turbine testing, product manufacturing, and field trials and measurement campaigns – including work in wind turbine towers.

Job description

As a member of Gulf Wind Technology’s Research and Development Team, the Aerodynamics and Loads Engineer will play a key role in the aeroelastic design and analysis of new and existing blades. As a member of the engineering team, you will have a variety of opportunities to learn new skills while contributing directly to customer projects, leaning into your own skills and expertise to help the team succeed. At Gulf Wind Technology you will be responsible for:

Creating new and innovative airfoil and blade aerodynamic designs, leading the analysis using appropriate panel, BEM, lifting line, and CFD tools.
Developing multibody dynamic load models and tools for wind turbine blades and systems, using internal and commercial software packages.
Build new engineering tools, methods, codes, and scripts that improve the accuracy, capability, and speed of deliverables.
Contribute to Gulf Wind Technology’s blade and product certification processes, according to IEC 61400-1 and 61400-5.
Create and manage detailed test and analysis records, pre and post processing tools, and documentation.
Perform system and component level DFMEA.
Conduct experimental airfoil and blade aerodynamic measurement campaigns, from wind tunnel to field validation experiments.
Lead field performance, loads and vibration measurements to gather firsthand understanding of blade and turbine operation.
Integrating technical and market research into GWT tools and processes to support the company goals and further the development of new products.
Contributing to the quality and safety culture at GWT.

Required qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a related field.

Good working knowledge and experience of aerodynamic and loads modeling processes and tools, such as OpenFAST, Bladed, Flex, Adams, PropID, WTPerf, CFX or similar tools.

Experience facilitating meetings and leading group discussions to achieve project goals.
Proven track record of working effectively in a team environment, including experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and building positive working relationships.
Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex information to a diverse audience.
A humble approach to your own knowledge and skillsets. We value team members who willingly share their expertise with the team, but also own their own learning and development plans.

Desired characteristics

Master’s degree in Engineering.
Previous relevant experience, preferably in the wind industry, but candidates with translatable experience are encouraged to apply.
Experience with modal analysis and loads measurements and/or aerodynamic measurements is beneficial.

A successful candidate will possess equal measures of creativity and passion, technical and interpersonal skills, and a drive and willingness to push the boundaries of blade innovation and technology development. The work environment at GWT creates opportunities for collaboration on projects with team members from multiple disciplines and backgrounds, where all perspectives and viewpoints are valued and respected.