GE Aerospace's Quick Six with Brennen Rowell

From working parents to military veterans, GE Aerospace would not be the company it is today without its employees. We created "Quick Six" to celebrate our diverse talent by asking employees six questions that uncover the unique ways that they contribute to GE Aerospace and the world.

In our next installation of Quick Six, GE Aerospace interviewed Brennen Rowell, Additive Mechanical Design Engineer in the Edison Engineering Development Program, (EEDP) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rowell's journey with GE Aerospace began in high school and has taken him through various roles and experiences at the company. Now an EEDP, Rowell leads through his engineering skills and positive attitude.

What is your title? Can you describe your role and responsibilities?

As a participant in the Edison Engineering Development Program, my role has evolved since I transitioned to working full-time. Currently, I am part of the Additively Enabled Turbine Team, serving as an Additive Mechanical Design Engineer. My current projects focus on developing advanced sealing concepts and contributing to the mechanical design of the RISE* Compact Core High Pressure Turbine (HPT) Stage 2 Nozzle.

The RISE Compact Core is a demonstrator engine, featuring only the core components: compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine. This program showcases our latest technology advancements, such as the advanced seal I am helping to design and the additively manufactured HPT Stage 2 nozzle.

All images courtesy of Brennen Rowell.

What sparked your love for engineering?

My love for engineering began in high school when I joined For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics. There, I learned to design and build robots for competitions. This experience ignited my passion for design and manufacturing, often keeping me up late brainstorming how we could bring our ideas to life.

I've also been a Jeep enthusiast since I was young. My first car was a 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ, which I restored and upgraded. I replaced the floors, engine, transfer case, and axles, and fabricated my own rock sliders, front bumper, and 3D-printed parts. This passion for off-road vehicles fueled my love for designing and creating parts.

When did you make the decision to join the EEDP program? Can you describe the journey that led you here?

Since my freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to be a mechanical engineer. To gain hands-on experience, I started working after school and during summers at Erdman Machine, a small Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) shop in Whitehall, MI. There I started manufacturing turbine airfoils for GE Aerospace engines at the age of 16. At 18 years old, I moved to GE Aerospace Muskegon and worked in the Metrology department, where I learned how turbine airfoils and tooling are controlled and deepened my manufacturing knowledge. Still wanting to learn more, I joined the Robotics department for my last summer at GE Aerospace Muskegon, inspired by my involvement in FIRST Robotics. During this summer, I worked on several projects that allowed me to design tooling.

Driven by my passions and desire to learn how our turbine airfoils were designed, I decided to join the EEDP program in Cincinnati. This opportunity has allowed me to continue my career within the turbine airfoils community. Through my EEDP rotations, I've found myself deeply involved in both manufacturing and design-oriented roles, which have continued to fuel my passions!

As your career path evolves, what keeps you inspired in your work? Are there specific projects or initiatives that you find particularly motivating?

Given my passion for off-road cars, I initially thought I would end up in the automotive industry. However, after starting to work in aviation manufacturing turbine airfoils, I quickly realized I would never leave. The demands for tight tolerances and the high regard for safety showed me the importance of our work and its impact on the public.

The largest inspiration in my work is designing the future of flight with the RISE program. I am driven to push the boundaries of efficiency and find purpose in making our engines more efficient. I enjoy solving problems and the satisfaction of creating solutions that impact others.

What do you enjoy most about your work at GE Aerospace?

The EEDP has provided me with a well-rounded understanding of jet engines, the industry, and exposure to various engineering career paths. The training I have received has given me a solid foundation to grow from, making me more productive in my daily work.

GE Aerospace has afforded me the ability to work on impactful projects while maintaining a good work/life balance. The people I work with are incredible, and I have never met anyone at GE Aerospace that isn't great to work with.

If you could give advice to other young professionals who aspire to join GE Aerospace or a similar program, what would you tell them?

When choosing where to start your career, it is important to consider what your passions are. Try to find a position that excites you. The aviation and aerospace field is full of interesting and fulfilling challenges. Being a part of something like the EEDP or a similar program can be a great way to quickly explore different areas, helping you discover the role that fuels your passion and best matches your interests and skills.

*The CFM International RISE ("Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines") is an open rotor engine currently under development by CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between American GE Aerospace and French Safran Aircraft Engines.

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