Staff Research Engineer

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

8d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) at the University of Chicago seeks an experienced Research Engineer to help bridge the gaps between academic modeling and factual engineering planning of SAI and open-system CDR. Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) is a prospective climate engineering approach by which small particles, typically sulfate aerosol precursors, are delivered to the lower stratosphere by fixed-wing aircraft to temporarily offset some warming induced by increased atmospheric CO2. This role collaborates on improving technological readiness for stratospheric aerosol injection and open-system carbon dioxide removal approaches deployment. Open-system carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches seek to amend natural systems to enhance their capacity to remove and sequester CO2 with the aim of reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Examples include (i) ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) in which alkalinizing materials are added to seawater to increase the ocean’s capacity to store inorganic carbon; as well as (ii) enhanced rock weathering in which suitable minerals are applied to agricultural lands to accelerate natural geochemical carbon cycling. While these approaches have recently seen a rapid rise in academic research, industry interest and policy attention, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding their deployment and general implementation, which at this stage are still largely theoretical.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

BS in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or related engineering field.
Industry experience in aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, energy, or related industry.
Extensive experience interfacing with OEM/EPC/subcontractors/suppliers.
Background managing technical risks and uncertainties in early-stage systems design and conducting feasibility assessments across technical and cost dimensions.
Proficiency in techno-economic analysis (TEA) methodology, including cost estimation, system-level trade-offs, and sensitivity analysis.
Leading or contributing to subcontract management with engineering firms, OEMs, and aerospace contractors.
Strong communication skills for translating between academic researchers, industry partners, and project leadership on technical matters.
Handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.
Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Work closely with senior University officials.
Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Establishes conceptual designs for stratospheric deployment aircraft using conventional technologies from the established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Evaluates new-build deployment aircraft with novel engine technologies including hybrid electrics, propeller-driven turbo shaft, reciprocating engines turbocharged by multi-stage compressors, etc.
Conducts techno-economic analyses and evaluates cost estimates for SAI experiment scenarios. For example, assessing cost across aerosol production, delivery systems, and flight operations.
Designs and evaluates aerosol dispersal technology.
Manages engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC)/aerospace firm design subcontracts.
Supports writing white paper and/or peer-reviewed publications, synthesizing pre-existing reports and available information on carbon-neutral quicklime production, as well as other relevant topics.
Conducts techno-economic analyses and evaluates cost estimates for end-to-end large scale OAE deployments, for example, slaked lime dispersal from calcination and associated CO2 storage to material distribution.
Designs and evaluates processes and technologies for alkalinizing material dispersal in open-ocean settings.
Assists in designing laboratory experiments testing engineering hypotheses.
Manages subcontracts with EPC firms and consultants.
Plans own resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time, to standard and to budget.
With a moderate level of guidance, researches, designs and evaluates a variety of mechanical processes and machinery.
Performs development activities including drawing board layout, interpretation and implementation of project specifications and documentation requirements.
Conducts engineering studies and assigns work to technical staff.
Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers.
Performs other related work as needed.