GE Aerospace invests in RISE flight technology

GE Aerospace is advancing next-generation propulsion technologies for commercial aircraft with assistance from a $9 million research and development grant from JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation.

The investment will go toward new test equipment at the company’s Cincinnati headquarters and Peebles Test Operations. Plans are to create more than 200 new engineering jobs by the end of 2028.

“Continued technology innovation is needed to help meet the needs of our customers – airplane manufacturers and airlines worldwide – for more fuel-efficient aircraft engines. This JobsOhio research & development grant helps GE Aerospace remain at the forefront of innovation in the commercial aviation industry,” said Mohamed Ali, senior vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace.

Technologies such as Open Fan and compact engine core are being developed through the CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE)* program, one of the largest demonstration programs in GE Aerospace’s history. In demonstration programs, new technologies are developed, matured, and tested, leading to future engine products.

In 2024, GE Aerospace became a standalone public company that continues to be headquartered in Cincinnati.

“This grant funding will help GE Aerospace invest in the latest technology to advance its R&D operations and strengthen its commitment and presence in Ohio,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. “Ohio has a storied history of aviation ingenuity dating back to the Wright brothers, and GE Aerospace continues to build on that foundation of excellence by developing the next-generation engine products here.”

“Ohio is the birthplace of aviation and the home of innovation for the aviation industry’s future, which is just reinforced by GE Aerospace’s additional investment in research and development in Southwest Ohio,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “These 200 new jobs will be instrumental in testing and developing more fuel-efficient engines that will power the future of flight, and alongside our partners at REDI Cincinnati, we are proud to have this work being done right here in Ohio.”

Ohio investments
Plans shared today to invest in Ohio engineering and test operations join other recent announcements at GE Aerospace sites in Ohio. Those include:

• The Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) in Springdale, which opened in 2024. STAC is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing aerospace inspection technologies and repair processes for global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
• An investment of more than $127 million in Ohio manufacturing facilities in 2024 to help increase engine production and strengthen quality; and
• The Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center (EPISCenter) in Dayton, where plans were announced in 2023 to invest up to $20 million to support increased testing of hybrid electric engine systems.

CFM RISE program
Unveiled in 2021, the CFM RISE program is showing progress with more than 250 tests completed.

Through the RISE program, CFM is advancing a suite of pioneering technologies, including advanced engine architectures like Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems to be compatible with unblended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The CFM RISE program targets more than 20% better fuel efficiency with 20% lower CO₂ emissions compared to the most efficient commercial engines in service today. Technologies are also being validated to meet the most stringent non-CO₂ and noise emission requirements.

Cultivating talent
GE Aerospace announced plans to hire more than 900 engineers globally in 2024, including in Ohio, reflecting its continued focus on innovation to support current aircraft engine programs and develop new technologies for the future of flight.

Engineers at all stages of their career can impact aviation for decades to come at GE Aerospace, with a strong need for experienced engineers. The company offers multiple talent development programs, such as the longstanding early career Edison Engineering Development Program and Take2Flight, a career relaunch program for engineering professionals ready to return to work after a break of one year or more.

Interested applicants can visit invent.ge/engineering.

*RISE is a registered trademark of CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.