Senior Combustion Design Engineer

ABOUT EDGE

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Overview:

The Gas Turbine Combustor Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, development, and support of combustor systems for micro jet engines. The role requires the incumbent to gather and interpret customer requirements and contextualise the performance criteria in conjunction with the engine performance analysis team. It is expected that the combustor designer will use the appropriate tools for the given stage of the design process, for instance, comprehensive 1-D and correlation-based modelling for the introductory sizing phases and eventually exploit high-fidelity CFD analysis to model the complex combustion processes. The role of the designer focuses on achieving stable combustion, high efficiency, low emissions, reliable ignition, and long life within the constraints of very small engine architectures, where combustor residence time, temperature patterns, and manufacturability are especially challenging. The designer must communicate across a wide range of functions, such as system engineering, mechanical design, materials engineering, and advanced additive manufacturing, for instance. In summary, the goal of the combustor designer is to assess requirements, demonstrate innovation in the application of the tools, maintain a pragmatic product-centric outlook, and finally deliver a fit-for-purpose design.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define combustor requirements from engine cycle conditions, including thrust class, allowable pressure loss, operability range, emissions intent, and turbine inlet temperature constraints.
• Translate system requirements into a combustor concept by selecting the overall architecture, primary zone arrangement, fuel injection approach, dilution strategy, and cooling philosophy.
• Carry out preliminary sizing and concept development using first-principles methods, empirical correlations, and iterative trade studies to establish feasible geometry and performance.
• Analyse flow field, mixing, ignition, flame stability, liner heat load, and exit temperature distribution to refine the design through successive development stages.
• Evaluate design sensitivities to geometry, fuel scheduling, airflow split, and manufacturing tolerance to improve robustness and reduce risk early in the process.
• Develop and review detailed combustor hardware, including dome, swirler, liner, dilution holes, cooling features, igniter location, and sealing interfaces.
• Support CFD, rig testing, and engine testing to validate assumptions, correlate analytical predictions with measured data, and update the design accordingly.
• Iterate the combustor design through concept, preliminary, detailed, and verification phases until performance, durability, and operability targets are met.
• Work closely with performance, aerodynamics, mechanical design, materials, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure the combustor design integrates cleanly into the full engine system.
• Document design rationale, trade-offs, test findings, and verification evidence to support technical reviews and development gates.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in gas turbine combustion, combustor design, or propulsion system development.
• Strong academic and practical background in gas turbine combustor fundamentals, including fuel injection, swirl and recirculation, flame stabilisation, liner cooling, dilution, and turbine inlet temperature management.
• Demonstrated experience in the full combustor design process: concept development, preliminary sizing, detailed design, and verification through analysis and test.
• Proven ability to correlate analytical and CFD results with rig or engine test data and drive design iterations.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, geometric tolerancing, and design‑for‑manufacture principles for high‑precision hot‑section components.
• Experience working with performance, aerodynamics, mechanical design, materials, and test teams in an integrated engine development environment.
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present technical reports, design reviews, and risk assessments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Combustor design and optimisation using first principles methods, empirical correlations, and CFD-driven trade studies.
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering analysis tools for combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and structural assessment.
• Skills in interpreting and troubleshooting test data related to ignition, stability, emissions, pressure loss, and thermal loading.
• Ability to manage multiple design variables and trade-offs under technical, schedule, and resource constraints.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently and exercise technical leadership.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management across engineering, manufacturing, and test functions.
• Comfort with high-performance, safety-critical environments and a disciplined approach to design verification and documentation.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.