Lead Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CAfull timeOn Site

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senior

$170k–$185k

H1B: no

Arborenergy Lead Combustion Engineer at Arborenergy leads the design and development of high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems for carbon-neutral power cycles. This role involves guiding a team through concept, modeling, testing, and performance validation in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities

Our Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket-inspired, high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems - integral in delivering carbon-neutral and carbon-negative power cycles at scale.
In this leadership role, you’ll own the combustion subsystem, guiding a talented team through end-to-end development of breakthrough, high-efficiency devices 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, establishing the technical direction that powers 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 pushing the boundaries of efficiency and reliability.
This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office.
Serve as technical lead for oxy-fuel combustion systems: own architecture, clean-sheet design, rigorous analysis, and delivery of breakthrough performance
Define and lead high-pressure/high-temperature test campaigns—from planning and execution through in-depth data analysis and actionable recommendations
Direct system configuration trades and performance optimization to achieve maximum efficiency, reliability, and scalability
Own rapid hardware development cycles—from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten timelines and enable innovation
Mentor team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement design upgrades that elevate system capability

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in mechanicalDeep expertise in thermodynamicsCuriousAdvanced degree (M

Required

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
Deep expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and combustion
Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment
Strong leadership presence with experience mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to own product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation
Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset—thrives in ambiguity and drives progress relentlessly

Preferred

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering
Direct experience leading hot-fire testing campaigns in rocket propulsion, gas turbines, or similar environments
Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
Prior success in startup or fast-paced hardware development environments

Benefits

Dental
Vision
401(k)
PTO
Equity/RSU
Life Insurance

Company

Arborenergy

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Source: greenhouse

Active within the past hour

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oxy-fuel combustion systemsadditive manufacturingCFD

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