Test Engineer, Pilot Reactor Systems

Lydian • Boston, MA

7d • $90,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Lydian is seeking a Test Engineer to plan and execute test campaigns on pilot-scale reactors. Reporting to the Pilot Test Lead, the engineer will own day-to-day test preparation, operations, and troubleshooting, and collaborate with the lead and other engineers on experiment design, planning, data analysis, and presenting results. The role also identifies needs for system improvements and works with teammates on design, procurement, and implementation.

The engineer will work closely with process, mechanical, and controls engineers to bring reactors online and operate them. The position calls for rigorous, safe, hands-on laboratory work and the ability to develop test plans, execute them, and troubleshoot issues. It includes shift coverage during extended runs and may require monitoring and troubleshooting outside normal working hours.

Requirements

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in a lab setting executing tests and analyzing data.
• Strong attention to detail and hands-on experience assembling and testing laboratory systems such as reactors, electrolyzers, or other process equipment.
• Comfort with hand tools and mechanical assembly, and ability to read P&IDs and mechanical drawings.
• Ability to apply engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transport, to analyze experimental data and solve problems.
• Ability to work independently to define and execute projects.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to turn a dataset into a short, well-organized summary.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Enjoyment of fast-paced work, challenges, and getting the job done; willingness to work at times outside normal working hours.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Ignition, LabView, DAQFactory, or another data acquisition platform.
• Experience with reactor operation and mass and energy balances.
• Experience handling compressed or flammable gases.
• Basic understanding of PID control and instrumentation.
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) or statistical analysis.
• CAD experience.
• Experience developing and writing Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prior startup experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed experiment plans with the Pilot Test Lead, including operating conditions, required measurements, test sequences, and success criteria; take ownership of assigned tests from preparation through analysis.
• Prepare, start up, monitor, and shut down pilot reactor campaigns, including shift coverage during extended runs.
• Assemble and install reactor components; operate pilot systems through the HMI, adjust setpoints according to test plans, respond to alarms, troubleshoot, and log observations.
• Work with technicians and engineers to support rapid turnaround and high uptime, including run monitoring and troubleshooting outside normal work hours.
• Develop a deep understanding of reactor architecture, component design, and testing platforms.
• Troubleshoot software, electronic, fluid-handling, and mechanical issues on test equipment.
• Install instrumentation, commission test stands, and perform routine maintenance.
• Collaborate with teammates to redesign reactors, components, and infrastructure to expand testing capabilities.
• Improve existing procedures and develop and document new methods.
• Identify issues during runs and suggest changes to hardware, procedures, or test plans.
• Maintain rigorous experiment records and accurate experiment databases; support processing time-series data to determine reactor performance metrics and trends.
• Analyze, document, and present experimental data and results; use prior results to guide future experiments and communicate plans to the team.
• Follow and help improve SOPs, lockout/tagout, and gas-handling procedures, and contribute to hazard reviews before new tests.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Meaningful equity compensation.
• Unlimited PTO, with an expectation that employees take significant time off.
• 100% of healthcare, vision, and dental premiums covered for the employee, and 80% coverage for dependents.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Challenging, collaborative, and meaningful work, with an important voice in company development.

What This Job Offers

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