Sr. Combustion Engineer

El Segundo, CAfull timeOn Site

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senior

$150k–$175k

H1B: no

Arborenergy Sr. Combustion Engineer at Arbor Energy developing rocket-derived high-pressure combustion systems for carbon-negative power cycles. Owns full hardware lifecycle from design to testing.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel) helps pioneer our rocket-derived, high-pressure combustion systems for carbon-negative power cycles, burning our biomass-produced syngas in a high efficiency combustor. In this role, you’ll take syngas oxy-combustion from lab-scale characterization to implementation running off of gasifier syngas within a year and carry what you learn into the development of fuel-flexible combustors at the heart of our commercial product. You will partner closely with test engineers, analysts, and designers to push boundaries—delivering breakthrough performance that powers a sustainable future.
From conceptual design and modeling to hands-on testing and rapid iteration, you'll own the full hardware lifecycle.
This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office.
Develop the kinetics that the envelope demands: reduced H2/CO/CO2 mechanisms, flame-speed, autoignition and blowout limits across composition; anchor models to hot-fire data
Plan, execute, and analyze high-pressure and temperature test campaigns, delivering actionable insights to accelerate progress
Own rapid hardware development cycles—from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
Leverage additive manufacturing and state-of-the-art simulation tools to accelerate innovation and reduce development timelines

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in MechanicalStrong understanding of thermodynamicsCuriousAdvanced degree (M

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
Comfort in high-pressure / real-fluid combustion (supercritical reactants, CO2 dilution) and/or a demonstrated track record of ramping into an unfamiliar regime fast
Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset comfortable driving progress

Preferred

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical engineering
Hands-on experience with hot-fire testing and high-pressure systems in rocket or gas turbine environments
Programming or scripting skills for data reduction and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
Background in startup environments or agile hardware development cycles