Lead Engineer, Composite Mechanics

Switzerland Global Enterprise

Advanced Lead Engineer specializing in Composite Damage Mechanics at GE Vernova. Leading damage characterization programs for wind turbine blade structures to ensure structural integrity and lifetime extension.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeBengaluru • 🇮🇳 IndiaSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead damage characterization programmes for wind turbine blade primary and secondary composite structures, covering glass fiber (GFRP), carbon fiber (CFRP), and hybrid laminates used in spar caps, shear webs, and shells.
Define and own the technical strategy for blade damage tolerance and structural integrity, integrating field-observed damage with laboratory characterization and analytical predictions.
Act as the technical expert for damage characterization methodologies, providing guidance on blade-specific damage scenarios encountered during manufacturing, transportation, installation, and service.
Lead the design and execution of multi-scale damage characterization campaigns relevant to complex composite structures.
Define test matrices and specimen configurations representative of full-scale component construction.
Interpret and disposition complex composite component damage states including matrix cracking, delamination, and fiber waviness.
Oversee and critically review Progressive Failure Analysis (PFA) and Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) models supporting composite damage assessment.
Validate finite element predictions against experimental characterization data.
Apply and assess applicability of failure criteria for composite-specific damage modes (Hashin, Puck, Cohesive Zone Models, VCCT).
Apply and interpret relevant industry structural standards and certification frameworks (IEC 61400-5) for wind turbine blades.
Develop, own and maintain design specifications and/or rules for composite structure failure modes.
Support full-scale blade structural testing programs (IEC 61400-23) with damage characterization input.

Requirements

What you’ll need

MEng / MSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
8+ years of hands-on experience in composite structures with significant focus on damage mechanics and characterization.
Demonstrated experience in large-scale or advanced composite structures (e.g., aerospace, marine, wind, automotive).
Proven track record of leading experimental damage characterization programmes for thick-section glass, carbon fiber laminates or sandwich laminates.
Experience working within equivalent structural certification processes within high-performance composite industries.
Experience operating within a building block approach framework (coupon → sub-component → full-scale).
GFRP / CFRP damage failure modes.
Interlaminar fracture toughness testing (DCB/ENF/MMB).
Fatigue damage progression in composites.
NDE/NDT methods (UT, thermography, AE).
FEA for damage modelling (e.g., Abaqus).
Relevant industry structural standards (e.g., aerospace, marine, wind).
Python / MATLAB for data processing.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

damage characterizationcomposite structuresdamage mechanicsfinite element analysisinterlaminar fracture toughness testingfatigue damage progressionfailure criteriamulti-scale damage characterizationProgressive Failure AnalysisContinuum Damage Mechanics

Soft Skills

leadershiptechnical expertiseguidancecritical reviewstrategic planning

Certifications

MEngMScPhD