Turbomachinery Aerodynamic Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Turbomachinery Aerodynamic Design Manager

Company: Air Products

Location: Bethlehem, PA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Management / Turbomachinery Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as the Aerodynamics Domain Owner for Rotoflow®, providing strategic technical leadership for aerodynamic design, performance prediction, and engineering tool enhancements within the turbomachinery sector.

• You will lead and mentor a team of four Aero Engineers, fostering technical excellence and driving innovation in aerodynamic capabilities across a global portfolio of turboexpanders and centrifugal compressors.

• A significant portion of the role (75%) involves hands-on aerodynamic design activities for awarded customer projects, focusing on impeller, vane, compressor, and turboexpander optimization for improved efficiency and performance.

• The position requires deep expertise in turbomachinery aerodynamics, compressible flow applications, and advanced analytical methodologies, including CFD, to guide the future direction of aerodynamic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid of technical leadership and hands-on engineering, emphasizing the "Domain Owner" aspect. It's crucial for candidates to demonstrate both deep technical expertise in turbomachinery aerodynamics and proven leadership/mentorship capabilities. The role is critical for driving innovation and efficiency in a specialized segment of the industrial gas and rotating equipment market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction as the Aerodynamics Domain Owner for Rotoflow®, focusing on design methodologies and performance prediction.

• Act as the organization's primary technical authority for aerodynamic design, compressible flow, turbomachinery performance, and analysis.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four Aero Engineers, cultivating technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.

• Establish, maintain, and evolve aerodynamic design methodologies, engineering standards, and best practices for the Rotoflow® turbomachinery portfolio.

• Drive continuous improvement of aerodynamic engineering tools, including aero sizing and performance prediction tools, for equipment selection and design optimization.

• Execute advanced aerodynamic design and flowpath optimization for impellers, vanes, compressors, and turboexpanders to enhance efficiency and operating range.

• Support the Aero Engineering team in equipment integration, operation, performance, and delivery, allocating approximately 25% of time to these activities.

• Apply appropriate analytical fidelity, including CFD, 2D/3D methodologies, 1D performance calculations, and aerodynamic performance mapping techniques.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, proposals, simulation, process, manufacturing) throughout the equipment lifecycle, from proposal to aftermarket support.

• Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve aerodynamic software tools, engineering workflows, modeling approaches, and performance prediction methodologies.

• Drive cost reductions and enhance competitiveness in both project execution and product offerings through innovative aerodynamic solutions.

• Provide coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and development planning for direct reports, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus on strategic technical leadership (Domain Owner) and direct project execution (75% design activities). This blend requires a candidate who is comfortable operating at both high-level strategy and detailed technical design. The emphasis on continuous improvement of tools and methodologies suggests a role focused on innovation and efficiency gains.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering subject area is required.

• An advanced degree focused on Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Aerodynamics, Turbomachinery, or a related subject area is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in turbomachinery or rotating machinery aerodynamic design.

• Experience leading engineers, technical disciplines, or engineering teams is required.

• 5+ years of experience leading aerodynamic engineers in a design environment is preferred.

• Experience with performance prediction methodologies, aerodynamic performance mapping, equipment selection approaches, and flowpath optimization is preferred. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of turbomachinery aerodynamics, aerodynamic design principles, compressible flow applications, flowpath optimization, aerodynamic performance, and turbomachinery performance prediction.

• Proven experience applying CFD, 1D, 2D, and 3D aerodynamic analysis tools in a turbomachinery environment.

• Demonstrated technical leadership capabilities with the ability to influence engineering direction and standards.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical-thinking abilities.

• Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, collaborative, and customer-focused.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• Ability to balance technical leadership responsibilities with hands-on engineering contributions.

• Passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and development of engineering talent.

• Ability to create an environment of trust, accountability, and positive team engagement.

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and turbomachinery performance analysis. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with performance mapping methodologies for turboexpanders, centrifugal compressors, and related rotating equipment.

• Experience with numerical methods, CFD, and turbine blade geometry modeling techniques.

• Turbine testing, data acquisition, and performance evaluation experience.

• Experience with aerodynamic design and CFD platforms such as ANSYS, Concepts NREC AxCent, or similar turbomachinery analysis tools.

• Experience improving engineering analysis tools, performance modeling methodologies, engineering workflows, and aerodynamic design processes.

• Programming experience using Python, MATLAB, C++, C#, VB, Fortran, or similar technical programming languages.

• Proven mentoring, coaching, influencing, and organizational leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a deep technical foundation in aerodynamics coupled with practical application experience, particularly with CFD. The distinction between required and preferred qualifications highlights the value placed on advanced degrees, specific tool experience (ANSYS, Concepts NREC), programming skills, and leadership track record in a design environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Aerodynamic Design: Showcase detailed examples of impeller, vane, compressor, or turboexpander aerodynamic design projects. Highlight the problem statement, analytical approach (CFD, 1D/2D/3D), design iterations, and quantifiable improvements in efficiency, performance, or operating range.

• Performance Prediction & Mapping: Include examples of performance prediction methodologies developed or utilized, and if applicable, demonstrate experience with performance mapping of turbomachinery components.

• Tool Improvement Initiatives: Present any projects where you identified and implemented improvements to aerodynamic engineering tools, software, workflows, or methodologies, demonstrating a proactive approach to enhancing analytical capabilities.

• Technical Leadership & Team Impact: Provide examples of how you have led engineering teams, mentored junior engineers, or influenced technical direction and standards within an organization. Quantify team achievements or process improvements under your leadership.

Process Documentation:

• Aerodynamic Design Workflow: Document a typical aerodynamic design process from initial concept and requirements gathering through detailed design, analysis, optimization, and handover to manufacturing. Emphasize how you ensure design robustness and meet performance targets.

• CFD Analysis & Validation: Outline your approach to setting up, running, and interpreting CFD simulations. Include your strategy for validating CFD results against analytical models, empirical data, or test results.

• Engineering Standards & Best Practices: Detail your experience in establishing, maintaining, or evolving engineering standards and best practices related to aerodynamic design, ensuring consistency and quality across projects.

• Continuous Improvement Framework: Describe a framework or methodology you have used to drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, or team performance, focusing on efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio should heavily feature concrete examples of aerodynamic design work, emphasizing quantitative results and the application of advanced analytical tools. The "Domain Owner" aspect means demonstrating not just individual contribution but also the ability to define and improve broader engineering processes and standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Turbomachinery Aerodynamic Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Bethlehem, PA, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $160,000 - $220,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized technical expertise, management responsibilities, and the high-value nature of turbomachinery design within the industrial gas sector. Factors such as specific experience, advanced degrees, and the candidate's negotiation skills will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one of employment.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate vesting of company match and core contributions, providing robust long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick time to support work-life balance.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave and adoption assistance to support employees during significant life events.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent daycare) and a Health Savings Account to help manage healthcare expenses.

• Insurance: Life Insurance (AD&D) and Supplemental AD&D coverage for added security.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement requires 4 days per week in the Bethlehem, PA office.

• Flexibility may be available to accommodate project deadlines and critical analytical tasks, consistent with the demands of engineering management and advanced design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The benefits package is extensive and aligns with that of a large, established industrial company. The hybrid work arrangement with specific office days is a key detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Gases & Equipment Manufacturing. Air Products is a global leader in industrial gases, providing essential atmospheric and process gases, as well as related equipment and services, to industries such as refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Rotoflow®, as part of Air Products, specifically focuses on advanced turbomachinery solutions.

Company Size: Air Products is a large multinational corporation, employing thousands of people globally. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across various business units and geographies.

Founded: Air Products was founded in 1940, bringing over 80 years of experience and a strong legacy of innovation and operational excellence. Rotoflow® has decades of specialized experience in turbomachinery.

Team Structure:

• Aerodynamics Engineering Team: A dedicated team of four Aero Engineers who will report directly to the Manager. This team is responsible for the day-to-day aerodynamic design and analysis activities.

• Reporting Structure: The Turbomachinery Aerodynamic Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level engineering director or VP within the Rotoflow® business unit or a broader turbomachinery engineering function.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with product management, proposal engineering, simulation/CFD teams, process engineers, manufacturing, and project execution teams to ensure successful project delivery and product development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using robust analytical tools (CFD, 1D/2D/3D calculations, performance mapping) and empirical data to inform design decisions and validate performance.

• Process Optimization: A strong focus on continuously improving engineering workflows, design methodologies, and analytical tools to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product competitiveness.

• Innovation & Fundamentals: Encouraging innovative solutions grounded in strong engineering fundamentals, challenging conventional approaches to achieve breakthroughs in turbomachinery performance.

Company Website: https://www.airproducts.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's established presence and specialization in industrial gases and turbomachinery provide a stable yet innovative environment. The team structure suggests a focused engineering group with significant cross-functional dependencies, typical for complex engineered product development. The methodology highlights a blend of analytical rigor and a drive for continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position with significant technical depth. It combines the responsibilities of an engineering manager overseeing a specialized team with the role of a technical authority ("Domain Owner") for a critical engineering discipline (aerodynamics). The role is pivotal in shaping the technical direction and capabilities of the turbomachinery business.

Reporting Structure: The manager will lead a team of four Aero Engineers, reporting to a senior engineering leader. This structure allows for focused leadership within the aerodynamics domain while being part of a larger engineering organization. The role is integral to the success of the Rotoflow® business unit.

Operations Impact: The Aerodynamics Domain Owner has a direct impact on the performance, efficiency, and competitiveness of Air Products' turbomachinery products (turboexpanders, centrifugal compressors). Successful aerodynamic design leads to improved energy efficiency for customers, reduced operating costs, enhanced product reliability, and stronger market positioning. This role directly influences revenue through project execution and product innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise as a recognized authority in turbomachinery aerodynamics, potentially leading to broader technical leadership roles or principal engineer positions within Air Products.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Opportunity to move into roles with wider scope, such as Director of Engineering, Head of Product Development, or program management, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the turbomachinery lifecycle.

• Skill Development: Access to training, conferences, and internal development programs focused on advanced engineering techniques, leadership skills, and emerging technologies in turbomachinery and fluid dynamics.

• Global Impact: Contribute to projects and product development that have a global reach, impacting diverse industries and customer needs worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth, either through deepening technical expertise and becoming a subject matter expert or by expanding into broader management and leadership responsibilities within the company's engineering and product development functions. The "Domain Owner" title suggests a high level of influence and recognition within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and follows a hybrid work model, requiring 4 days per week in the office. This structure is designed to facilitate in-person collaboration, team meetings, and access to company resources while allowing for some flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Bethlehem, PA. This location is part of Air Products' operational footprint, likely housing engineering, manufacturing, and administrative functions for the Rotoflow® business.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams indicate a collaborative workspace designed for interaction, brainstorming, and problem-solving.

• Engineering Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art engineering software, including CFD platforms (e.g., ANSYS, Concepts NREC), CAD systems, performance prediction tools, and potentially high-performance computing resources for complex simulations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Aero Engineering team, as well as engineers from other disciplines, fostering knowledge sharing and a cohesive engineering culture. The office environment will support team meetings, design reviews, and informal technical discussions.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid arrangement requires 4 days in the office.

• While a structured schedule is in place, the nature of engineering management and design may require occasional flexibility to meet critical project deadlines or address urgent technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key characteristic. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured office presence (4 days/week) combined with the flexibility to manage their time effectively for both team leadership and individual technical contributions. Access to advanced engineering tools is a given for such a role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for alignment with minimum requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews with senior engineering leaders and potential peers. These will focus on your technical expertise in turbomachinery aerodynamics, CFD application, design methodologies, and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss complex technical challenges you've faced.

• Management/Leadership Interview: An interview focusing on your leadership style, team management experience, ability to mentor engineers, conflict resolution skills, and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This is a crucial step to demonstrate your technical depth, project impact, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Likely with a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Engineering) to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that showcase a range of skills: complex design challenges, performance improvements, tool development, and team leadership.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and approach, the methodologies used (CFD, 1D, etc.), and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., % efficiency improvement, range extension, cost reduction).

• Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent structure for each case study: Objective, Challenge, Solution (your design/methodology), Results, and Lessons Learned.

• Demonstrate Process Thinking: Highlight how you approached design optimization, validation, and collaboration. Show your understanding of the entire turbomachinery lifecycle.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about your design choices, analytical methods, and any challenges encountered.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problem-Solving: You may be presented with a hypothetical aerodynamic design problem or asked to troubleshoot a turbomachinery performance issue. Focus on your thought process, analytical approach, and how you would leverage your team and tools to find a solution.

• Leadership Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common management challenges, such as motivating a team, resolving technical disagreements, or managing project priorities.

• Process Improvement Discussion: You might be asked about how you would approach improving the aerodynamics design process, selecting new tools, or implementing new methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-faceted, assessing both deep technical acumen and strong leadership capabilities. The portfolio presentation is critical, requiring candidates to articulate complex technical achievements with clear, quantifiable results. Preparation for technical challenges and leadership scenarios is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CFD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CFD packages is essential. Specifically mentioned are ANSYS and Concepts NREC AxCent. Experience with other leading CFD tools is also valuable.

• Aerodynamic Design & Analysis Tools: Experience with specialized turbomachinery design software for impeller, vane, and flowpath optimization. This includes 1D performance prediction tools and 2D/quasi-3D methodologies.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for component design and integration is implied, though not explicitly listed as a primary tool for aerodynamic analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Prediction Tools: Experience developing or utilizing tools for predicting turbomachinery performance across various operating conditions.

• Data Analysis & Visualization: While not explicitly stated, strong analytical skills are required. Proficiency with tools like MATLAB (mentioned as a preferred programming language) for data analysis and potentially visualization tools for presenting performance maps and results would be beneficial.

• Performance Mapping Methodologies: Understanding and experience in developing and applying methodologies for mapping turbomachinery performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Engineering Workflow Tools: While not CRM, the role involves managing engineering workflows. Experience with project management software or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems might be beneficial for tracking design progress and documentation.

• Programming for Automation: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, MATLAB, C++, C#, VB, or Fortran is preferred for developing custom analysis tools, automating workflows, and enhancing engineering processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of ANSYS and Concepts NREC AxCent for CFD and design, respectively, indicates these are key technologies. The preference for programming skills highlights an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate how they can leverage automation to improve efficiency and analytical capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Rigor: A strong emphasis on sound engineering fundamentals, meticulous analysis, and accurate performance prediction in all aerodynamic design activities.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages challenging conventional approaches, seeking novel solutions, and consistently refining processes, tools, and product designs.

• Safety & Reliability: An unwavering commitment to safety, as is standard in the industrial gas and heavy equipment sectors, ensuring that designs are robust, reliable, and safe for operation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where engineers work together effectively, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Customer Focus: Understanding customer needs and delivering solutions that provide tangible value in terms of efficiency, performance, and operational cost savings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative style that involves working closely with teams across different engineering disciplines (mechanical, process, simulation), as well as proposals, manufacturing, and project management.

• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback during design reviews, and a willingness to discuss and debate technical approaches.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights within the aerodynamics team and across broader engineering groups to elevate overall technical capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a high-performing engineering organization focused on technical depth, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The emphasis on safety and customer focus is paramount in the industrial gas and equipment manufacturing sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth and Management: Effectively managing a team of engineers while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex aerodynamic design challenges for multiple projects.

• Driving Innovation in Mature Technologies: Continuously finding ways to improve the efficiency and performance of established turbomachinery products through advanced aerodynamic design.

• Tool & Process Modernization: Identifying opportunities and championing the adoption of new engineering tools, methodologies, and automation techniques within a large, established organization.

• Global Project Demands: Supporting diverse customer projects worldwide, requiring adaptability to different specifications, standards, and operating environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Aerodynamics & CFD: Opportunities to stay at the forefront of turbomachinery aerodynamics and CFD applications through advanced training, workshops, and exposure to cutting-edge research.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership, coaching, strategic planning, and team building.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent Air Products at industry conferences, contributing to the broader knowledge base and staying abreast of industry trends and competitor advancements.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor and develop junior engineers, contributing to the next generation of turbomachinery experts within Air Products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior technical management role in a large company, focusing on balancing multiple priorities and driving change. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for both deep technical specialization and broader organizational leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and executing an aerodynamic design strategy for a new turbomachinery product line." (Focus on methodology, risk assessment, team involvement, and alignment with business goals.)

• "How would you foster innovation within your aerodynamics engineering team, and what steps would you take to implement a new CFD analysis methodology?" (Highlight your leadership, process improvement, and change management strategies.)

• "Walk us through a complex turbomachinery aerodynamic design challenge you or your team faced. What was your role, what was the solution, and what was the quantifiable impact?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio, emphasizing your technical contribution and problem-solving process.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Air Products and Rotoflow®, how would your technical leadership style contribute to our company's goals of innovation and efficiency?" (Research company values, recent projects, and market position.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders outside of your direct team to adopt a new engineering approach or recommendation. How did you build consensus?" (Demonstrate your collaboration and communication skills.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your engineering team beyond project delivery metrics?" (Focus on team development, process improvements, and contributions to knowledge base.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your innovative approach, the rigorous analysis, the successful outcome, and the lessons learned.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with relevant diagrams, CFD visualizations, performance maps, and key metrics. Avoid overly dense slides.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify everything possible – efficiency gains, performance improvements, cost reductions, time savings.

• Highlight Leadership: Where applicable, explain your role in leading the technical effort, mentoring team members, or driving process improvements within the project context.

• Engage the Audience: Be prepared for questions and facilitate a discussion, showing your passion and deep understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase practical application and quantifiable results. Researching Air Products' specific initiatives in industrial gases and turbomachinery will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Turbomachinery Aerodynamic Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Air Products careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 10+ years of turbomachinery aerodynamic design experience, specific achievements in impeller/vane/compressor/turboexpander design, and any leadership or team management roles. Use keywords such as "CFD," "performance prediction," "flowpath optimization," "technical leadership," and specific software like "ANSYS" or "Concepts NREC."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 strong case studies showcasing your most impactful aerodynamic design projects. Quantify results, highlight your technical approach, and be ready to present them clearly and concisely.

• Research Air Products: Understand their business in industrial gases and turbomachinery. Familiarize yourself with their values, recent projects, and the Rotoflow® business unit to articulate your fit and interest effectively.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions on aerodynamics and CFD, leadership scenarios, and behavioral questions. Practice articulating your portfolio projects and demonstrating your strategic thinking.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.