Role OverviewOur Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket-inspired, high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems - integral in delivering carbon-neutral and carbon-negative power cycles at scale.
In this leadership role, you'll own the combustion subsystem, guiding a talented team through end-to-end development of breakthrough, high-efficiency devices in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. You'll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through hands-on testing, rapid iteration, and performance validation, establishing the technical direction that powers a sustainable future.
You'll mentor junior engineers, align cross-functional efforts with test, analysis, and design teams, and make critical trade-off decisions to accelerate progress while pushing the boundaries of efficiency and reliability.
Responsibilities- Serve as technical lead for oxy-fuel combustion systems: own architecture, clean-sheet design, rigorous analysis, and delivery of breakthrough performance
- Define and lead high-pressure/high-temperature test campaigns-from planning and execution through in-depth data analysis and actionable recommendations
- Direct system configuration trades and performance optimization to achieve maximum efficiency, reliability, and scalability
- Own rapid hardware development cycles-from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
- Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten timelines and enable innovation
- Mentor team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement design upgrades that elevate system capability
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
- Deep expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and combustion
- Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment
- Strong leadership presence with experience mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated ability to own product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation
- Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset-thrives in ambiguity and drives progress relentlessly
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering
- Direct experience leading hot-fire testing campaigns in rocket propulsion, gas turbines, or similar environments
- Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Prior success in startup or fast-paced hardware development environments
Benefits & Compensation- Pre-IPO stock options
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
- Basic life insurance fully covered
- Health savings account (HSA) with matching
- Flexible savings account (FSA)
- Unlimited PTO
- 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day!
- 401(k)
- Commuter benefits
- Annual learning and development stipend
- And more!
Base Pay: $170,000 - $185,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
