Job Description Summary

As the Principal Engineer – Large Fabrications, you will provide technical leadership and engineering rigor for the design, analysis, and validation of large fabricated and composite structures used in wind turbine nacelles and related assemblies. This role is focused on sheet-metal based structural components and requires deep expertise in structural integrity, dynamics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, strength assessment, and design for manufacturability.
You will be responsible for driving robust engineering decisions through design reviews, drawing reviews, stack-up assessments, analytical calculations, and correlation of test and simulation results. You will also support review of certification activities, engage with external agencies as needed, and help strengthen technical capability across the organization, especially in dynamics.
This is a leadership role for an experienced engineer who can challenge assumptions, develop new methods, and partner with CTHs, design teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver safe, high-quality, and compliant products.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the design, dynamics, analysis, and validation of large fabricated and composite structures within wind turbine nacelle applications.
• Own the technical rigor and acceptance of engineering solutions for sheet-metal and composite based structures, ensuring safety, quality, manufacturability, and compliance with requirements.
• Chair design reviews for fabricated and composite components, ensuring design maturity and robust technical decision-making.
• Perform detailed drawing reviews, including tolerance analysis, manufacturing feasibility, and stack-up verification.
• Conduct structural calculations and simulations using ANSYS, with focus on strength, frequency domain fatigue, fracture mechanics, and overall structural performance.
• Apply relevant standards and codes, including IIW, Eurocode, and DNV, to support engineering justification and compliance.
• Support certification activities and engage with certification agencies as required.
• Bridge the gap between testing and simulation by correlating results, identifying model improvements, and developing validated methods.
• Support CTH and engineering leadership in identifying technical gaps and advancing structural engineering capability.
• Lead or support rigorous supplier reviews and root cause analysis activities to ensure effective technical resolution.
• Work with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and certification to resolve technical issues and improve outcomes.
• Own and support product lifecycle management activities, including effective use of PLM systems.
• Coach and mentor engineers to build technical depth and strengthen organizational capability.

Qualification / Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited university or college in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Major experience in structural engineering, preferably with large fabricated metallic structures and composite components.
• Hands-on experience with frequency domain fatigue analysis, fracture mechanics, strength calculations, and structural validation. First principal approach on machine design.
• Proficiency in ANSYS or similar analysis tools. Especially in frequency domain.
• Experience working with PLM processes.
• Working knowledge of engineering drawing reviews, tolerancing, and stack-up analysis.
• Experience interacting with certification bodies and supporting compliance or certification processes.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong expertise in large structural dynamics, sheet-metal fabrications, and composite components.
• Knowledge of wind turbine nacelle structures and related design challenges.
• Familiarity with industry standards and codes such as IIW, Eurocode, and DNV.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews and make sound engineering decisions.
• Experience in test-to-simulation correlation and method development in frequency domain.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in RCA, supplier issue resolution, and technical investigations.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and drive technical advancement.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience coaching and developing engineering talent.
• A strong sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment to engineering excellence.

Additional Information