Role OverviewThe Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel) helps pioneer our rocket-derived, high-pressure combustion systems for carbon-negative power cycles, burning our biomass-produced syngas in a high efficiency combustor. In this role, you'll take syngas oxy-combustion from lab-scale characterization to implementation running off of gasifier syngas within a year and carry what you learn into the development of fuel-flexible combustors at the heart of our commercial product. You will partner closely with test engineers, analysts, and designers to push boundaries-delivering breakthrough performance that powers a sustainable future.
From conceptual design and modeling to hands-on testing and rapid iteration, you'll own the full hardware lifecycle.
This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office.
Responsibilities- Develop the kinetics that the envelope demands: reduced H₂/CO/CO₂ mechanisms, flame-speed, autoignition and blowout limits across composition; anchor models to hot-fire data
- Plan, execute, and analyze high-pressure and temperature test campaigns, delivering actionable insights to accelerate progress
- Own rapid hardware development cycles-from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
- Leverage additive manufacturing and state-of-the-art simulation tools to accelerate innovation and reduce development timelines
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
- Comfort in high-pressure / real-fluid combustion (supercritical reactants, CO₂ dilution) and/or a demonstrated track record of ramping into an unfamiliar regime fast
- Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset comfortable driving progress
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical engineering
- Hands-on experience with hot-fire testing and high-pressure systems in rocket or gas turbine environments
- Programming or scripting skills for data reduction and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Background in startup environments or agile hardware development cycles
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: $150,000 - $175,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
