BS or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering, or a related field.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
Experience with cycle or process modeling tools (Python with CoolProp or REFPROP, NPSS, Aspen, pyCycle, or comparable).
Working knowledge of fluid system components selection and sizing.
Strong communicator and leader who enjoys learning and teaching.
Responsibilities
Lead 1D cycle analysis and fluid system simulation for the megawatt-class pilot.
Act as the system owner, defining and holding interfaces with turbomachinery, structures, and controls teams.
Lead development of the system-level P&ID and supporting fluid infrastructure.
Own specification of valves, instrumentation, and balance-of-plant equipment from requirements through procurement.
Carry the cycle and P&ID through commissioning and test, reconciling measured behavior against predictions.
Benefits
Opportunity to work directly with company founders.
Involvement in defining critical operating points for innovative power generation technology.
Chance to shape the fluid systems that underpin the company's pilot project.
Engagement in a dynamic startup environment with potential for significant impact.
Equity options as part of the compensation package.
Full Job Description
Senior Fluid Systems Engineer - Define the Cycle Every Other Discipline Designs Around
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A seed-stage power generation startup is hiring a Senior Fluid Systems Engineer to own its thermodynamic cycle and the fluid systems that bring it to life. The cycle state points you set become the foundation that the turbomachinery, structures, and controls teams all design against.
Working directly with the founders, you will define and freeze the operating points for the company's megawatt-class pilot and turn them into a buildable, fully instrumented fluid system. The role combines 1D cycle modeling, P&ID development, component specification, and system-level ownership through commissioning and test.
Job Duties
Lead 1D cycle analysis and fluid system simulation for the megawatt-class pilot, setting state points, mass flows, and the steady-state and transient operating envelope.
Act as the system owner, defining and holding interfaces with the turbomachinery, structures, and controls teams.
Lead development of the system-level P&ID and supporting fluid infrastructure.
Own specification of valves, instrumentation, and balance-of-plant equipment from requirements through procurement.
Carry the cycle and P&ID through commissioning and test, and reconcile measured behavior against predictions.
Qualifications
BS or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or chemical engineering, or a related field.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
Experience with cycle or process modeling tools (Python with CoolProp or REFPROP, NPSS, Aspen, pyCycle, or comparable).
Working knowledge of how fluid system components such as piping, tubing, valves, fittings, and instrumentation are selected and sized.
Strong communicator and leader who enjoys learning and teaching.
Preferred Experience
Modeling real-gas or near-critical cycles, such as supercritical CO2.
P&ID development and equipment specification for power cycles or process plants.
Relief and overpressure protection design for high-pressure systems, including relief valve and rupture disc sizing.
Familiarity with ASME B31.1 power piping and/or B31.3 process piping.
Transient and dynamic system simulation.
Turbomachinery off-design analysis and component map matching.
