Role OverviewWe are seeking a skilled Heat Transfer Engineer to lead component- and system-level thermal modeling for its advanced turbomachinery systems. This individual will own the development and integration of heat transfer and secondary flow models across the compressor, turbine, and combustor, enabling robust thermal boundary conditions, cooling flows, and clearance predictions. You will work closely with aerodynamics, mechanical design, systems, and controls teams to ensure thermally integrated, operable hardware. Ideal candidates will have prior experience in high-temperature turbomachinery design, including thermal FEA, flow network modeling, and transient clearance analysis.
Arbor's team of world-class engineers and scientists are developing a scalable, low-cost approach to Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) based on modern rocket engine technology. BECCS is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approach that uses biomass to produce energy and remove CO from the atmosphere and store it permanently underground, while ensuring food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity are not affected. Our modular technology leverages the power density of supercritical CO2 to enable compact gasification, oxy-combustion, and high-pressure turbo-expansion to convert abundant waste biomass into clean electricity, water, and high-purity CO2, capturing and sequestering all emissions from the process. Our team brings together a passion for science, technology, and global stewardship to make low-cost, high-quality carbon removal and baseload power a reality.
This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office.
Responsibilities- Own thermal and heat transfer analysis for rotating and stationary turbomachinery components.
- Develop and maintain secondary air system models, including cooling and sealing flow circuits.
- Generate thermal boundary conditions for structural and clearance analysis.
- Collaborate with aero, mechanical design, and systems teams to ensure robust thermal integration and operability.
- Work with test and validation teams to define thermal instrumentation requirements and interpret test data.
- Support transient thermal analysis for startup, shutdown, and off-nominal operating conditions.
- Document results and methods in formal design memos and interface reports.
- Contribute to the development of analysis tools and modeling standards for thermal integration.
Requirements- 5+ years of experience in heat transfer and secondary flow analysis for turbomachinery (gas turbine, aero engine, sCO, etc.).
- Experience with thermal FEA, internal cooling design, and/or system-level secondary air system modeling.
- Proficiency in tools such as ANSYS, CFX, Siemens Flowmaster, or equivalent.
- Understanding of transient thermal behavior and its effect on clearances and mechanical integrity.
- Familiarity with turbomachinery design principles and thermomechanical integration.
- Ability to manage thermal interfaces across teams and contribute to system-level decisions.
- Strong communication and documentation skills
Compensation & Benefits- 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.
