Combustion Engineer / Scientist

ERG • Research Triangle Park, NC

1d • $60,000 - $90,000

About The Position

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

We are seeking a highly motivated Combustion Engineer or Scientist to join our growing technical team. This role is ideal for a driven professional with strong academic training in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field who is eager to take ownership of complex projects and contribute to meaningful environmental and combustion research.

The successful candidate will initially focus on hands-on technical execution and will quickly grow into opportunities to lead projects, influence technical direction, and support team development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, or a related discipline from an accredited institution
• 2–10 years of experience in a research or testing environment with exposure to combustion systems
• Demonstrated experience implementing safety protocols, including authoring safety guidance documents
• Strong technical proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, data acquisition systems, PLC programming, and industrial control configuration
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and operate complex systems such as furnaces
• Skilled in the use of hand tools for equipment installation and repair
• Solid understanding of combustion principles, including fuel stoichiometry and criteria pollutants
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, equipment documentation, and laboratory procedures
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Experience applying EPA air emissions methodologies
• Proven ability to write technical documentation, including safety plans, operational procedures, facility manuals, and technical reports
• Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. (<5%)
• Climbing (<10%)
• Regular use of industrial PPE, including safety glasses, protective footwear, lab coats, and gloves (~60%)
• Limited exposure to hot or cold environments (<5%)
• Work in moderate industrial noise environments (<10%)

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, evaluate, design, and operate advanced combustion systems
• Partner with environmental scientists, engineers, and technical specialists to support combustion source measurements for the EPA
• Diagnose and resolve operational issues within combustion facilities, including control systems, replacement part sourcing, and repair coordination
• Configure sampling equipment and collect emissions data in accordance with EPA methodologies (e.g., Method 5)
• Design and implement sampling systems, including continuous emissions monitoring technologies such as gas analyzers, FTIR, and particle measurement instruments
• Analyze and review data to ensure alignment with project quality objectives while identifying opportunities for process improvement
• Collaborate directly with EPA personnel through technical meetings and operational initiatives
• Maintain accurate handwritten and electronic records in compliance with records management standards
• Execute all work in accordance with established safety and quality assurance protocols

Benefits

• ERG offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, educational benefits, FSAs, a generous 401k plan, profit sharing, an EAP, 11-20 paid vacation days per year, 10 paid holidays per year, 56 hours or more of sick leave (based on the state you work in) per year (pro-rated for part-time) and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level