Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel)

Cantos Ventures; 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)

Job summary

Cantos Ventures is seeking a Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel) to lead the development of high-pressure combustion systems for sustainable power cycles. You will work onsite in El Segundo, CA and be responsible for overseeing the hardware lifecycle from design to hands-on testing.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience in combustion system design, with a strong background in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Excellent benefits are offered, including stock options and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing.
• Comfort in high-pressure / real-fluid combustion systems.
• Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop kinetics for combustion mechanisms and anchor models to hot-fire data.
• Plan and analyze high-pressure testing campaigns for actionable insights.
• Own rapid development cycles across manufacturing, testing, and improvements.

Skills

Combustion system design

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Programming (Python, MATLAB)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical engineering

Tools

Hot-fire testing

High-pressure systems

Additive manufacturing tools

Job description

Role Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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 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

Benefits & 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.