Lead Reactor Engineer
About The Position
We’re seeking a Lead Reactor Engineer to serve as the technical authority pioneering our novel high-pressure biomass gasification systems—core to unlocking carbon-negative power cycles at scale. In this leadership role, you’ll own the gasification system, guiding a talented team through end-to-end development of breakthrough, high-efficiency reactors in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. You’ll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through hands-on testing, rapid iteration, and performance validation, setting the technical direction that transforms diverse biomass feedstocks into reliable syngas for a sustainable future. You’ll mentor junior engineers, align cross-functional efforts with test, analysis, and design teams, and make critical trade-off decisions to accelerate progress while maximizing system flexibility, robustness, and carbon impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in gasification, combustion, or thermochemical system design, analysis, and testing
- Deep expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, reaction kinetics
- Proven track record leading technical development of high-temperature/high-pressure systems
- Demonstrated ability to own and drive full product lifecycle from concept through validation and optimization
- Strong leadership presence with experience mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
- Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset—thrives in ambiguity and drives progress relentlessly
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering
- Direct experience leading hot-fire or gasification testing campaigns in rocket propulsion, gas turbines, biomass gasifiers, or similar high-pressure environments
- Experience with gasification and/or biomass/solids handling
- Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Prior success in startup or fast-paced hardware development environments
Responsibilities
- Serve as technical lead for high-pressure biomass gasification systems: own reactor architecture, design, thermochemical analysis, and delivery of breakthrough conversion systems
- Define and lead high-pressure/high-temperature gasification test campaigns—from planning and execution through in-depth data analysis and actionable recommendations
- Direct feedstock selection, system configuration trades, and performance optimization to ensure flexibility across diverse biomass inputs, maximizing carbon-negative potential
- Own and accelerate hardware development cycles, overseeing manufacturing, assembly, testing, and iterative upgrades
- Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/thermochemical tools, and advanced simulation to shorten timelines and enable innovation
- Mentor team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement design upgrades that elevate system reliability and scalability
- Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to align gasification development with broader program milestones and commercial scale-up goals
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!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
