Lead Fluid Systems Engineer
About The Position
Karman Industries is seeking a highly motivated Fluid Systems Engineer, considering candidates at Lead, Senior, or Staff levels, to design the next generation of heat processing systems. The engineer will own fluid and process system design for the Karman Heat Processing Unit (HPU) and future product development, with a focus on P&ID development and component specification. The role also supports skid fabrication, packaged system testing, and field commissioning, spanning design, analysis, supplier engagement, and hands-on support of builds, tests, and customer sites. The team uses a strong first-principles approach and works collaboratively to develop cohesive systems. Karman Industries, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Gardena, California, is developing a supercritical CO2 chiller system with a high-speed electrically driven turbomachinery core for industrial thermal energy applications, including data centers, manufacturing, and energy. Its stated goals include reducing energy consumption in data center thermal management by more than 25% and increasing energy density by 10x. Karman Industries describes its work environment as dynamic and inclusive, with a team of professionals focused on innovation and transforming industrial manufacturing. Employment is governed by merit, competence, and qualifications, without discrimination on legally protected grounds.
Requirements
- B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in fluid, thermal, or process system design, such as rocket propulsion fluid systems, oil and gas process engineering, or HVAC engineering.
- Proven ability to develop P&IDs according to ISA standards.
- Experience selecting and sizing sensors, valves, orifices, heat exchangers, filters, and vessels.
- Working knowledge of relevant industry standards.
- Ability to read and contribute to control narratives.
- Self-motivated, high-performing, able to self-manage and multitask, and an excellent communicator.
Nice To Haves
- Experience running or contributing to HAZOP/PHA-type reviews.
- Familiarity with turbomachinery systems and their auxiliary support systems.
- Experience generating component specifications from customer requirements and cycle state points for supplier quotation.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and hands-on experience fabricating and building skidded process equipment.
- Experience supporting factory acceptance or performance testing of packaged rotating equipment systems.
- Experience commissioning equipment in the field and training customer operators.
- Familiarity with industrial automation and the vendor ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Develop and own P&IDs for the Karman HPU and future product lines in accordance with ISA standards.
- Select and specify flow, pressure, and temperature instrumentation based on operating conditions, accuracy, sensitivity, and process compatibility.
- Size control valves, relief devices, orifices, and other flow components, and identify and engage suitable suppliers.
- Size stationary equipment such as heat exchangers, filters, and vessels.
- Work with the applications engineering team to interpret customer specifications and translate cycle design state points into component specifications and supplier-inquiry datasheets.
- Read and contribute to control narratives in collaboration with the controls team.
- Lead or provide critical feedback during HAZOP, PHA, and other system-level safety analyses.
- Apply relevant industry codes and standards to system and component design.
- Support the build of skidded process equipment, working with manufacturing and supply chain through ERP/MRP systems.
- Assist with testing complete packaged turbomachinery systems.
- Support commissioning at customer sites, including customer training and operational support.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
