Sr. Combustion Engineer

Arbor; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-IPO stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k)

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

A leading clean energy technology company in California seeks a Sr. Combustion Engineer to lead the development of high-efficiency combustion systems for carbon-neutral power cycles. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in combustion design, thermodynamics, and hands-on testing of high-pressure systems. Responsibilities include overseeing the full hardware lifecycle from design to testing while driving innovation through advanced technologies. This role offers a competitive salary between $150,000 and $175,000 and various employee benefits, including unlimited PTO and pre-IPO stock options.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing.
• Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to own the product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the clean-sheet design and analysis of advanced oxy-fuel combustion systems.
• Plan, execute, and analyze high-pressure and temperature test campaigns.
• Guide system configuration and drive performance optimization.

Skills

Combustion system design

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

At Arbor Energy & Resources Corporation ("Arbor Energy"), we’re creating technology to power our lives while protecting the planet that sustains them. Our advanced power systems deliver clean, reliable baseload electricity with zero operating emissions—modular, fuel‑flexible, and engineered for the realities of today’s energy demand. At the core is a supercritical CO₂ turbine with integrated carbon capture, designed to bring carbon‑neutral power online quickly at meaningful scale.

Our team includes aerospace engineers, combustion experts, and systems thinkers with a shared goal: to build technology worthy of the world we want to live in. While many of us began our journeys looking to the stars, we’re applying that expertise here at home to deliver dependable, emission‑free baseload power and a future of lasting abundance.

If you share our values and are drawn to rigorous work with lasting impact, we’d love to learn more about you. Come build what the future will run on.

Steward our planet: We think on the scale of ecosystems, designing solutions with impact measured in CO₂ reduction, biodiversity preserved, and human quality of life.

Lead with Love: We choose kindness and empathy in all we do. When faced with challenges, we act with care, knowing that it’s always the right time to be kind.

Explore the Uncharted: Bold innovation is in our DNA. We embrace new ideas and unconventional paths to build a future of abundance.

Role Overview

The Sr. Combustion Engineer helps pioneer our rocket‑inspired, high‑pressure combustion systems for carbon‑neutral and carbon‑negative power cycles. In this role, you’ll lead end‑to‑end development of cutting‑edge, high‑efficiency combustion devices in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the clean‑sheet design and analysis of advanced oxy‑fuel combustion systems, delivering breakthrough performance from concept to reality
• Plan, execute, and analyze high‑pressure and temperature test campaigns, delivering actionable insights to accelerate progress
• Guide system configuration and drive performance optimization for maximum efficiency and reliability
• 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
• Champion continuous improvement by proposing and implementing design upgrades

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
• Comprehensive understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
• Hands‑on experience with high‑temperature and pressure equipment
• Demonstrated ability to own the product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation
• Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset comfortable driving progress

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• 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)
• Annual learning and development stipend
• And more!

Benefits and Compensation

• 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!

Base Pay: $150,000 - $175,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

Our Commitment

Arbor Energy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Solving global energy challenges requires a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the world we serve.

Our hiring process is designed to be accessible, fair, and focused on the work that matters most for this role. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment—please let us know if you need one.

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