Sr. Test Engineer (Gasification R&D)

Arbor Energy; 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

Arbor Energy in El Segundo, California, is seeking a Sr. Test Engineer to lead the development and operation of test campaigns for high-pressure gasification R&D. This hands-on role requires designing instrumentation and ensuring test hardware withstands extreme conditions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in test engineering and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

The position offers competitive compensation, including pre-IPO stock options and comprehensive health benefits, along with a commitment to equal opportunity and accessible hiring practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on test-engineering experience.
• Direct experience with high-pressure and high-temperature systems.
• Strong ownership mentality and inventive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead test-stand development from concept to operation.
• Design instrumentation and control hardware for high-pressure tests.
• Automate test operations and manage real-time decision-making.

Skills

Self-directed operation

Instrumentation and sensor integration

Data acquisition skills

Troubleshooting skills

Test-stand operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

We’re seeking a Sr. Test Engineer to envision, build, and operate the test campaigns that drive Arbor’s high-pressure gasification R&D program forward. The program runs at conditions never before attempted at any scale—a first-of-a-kind, fouling-, plugging-, and erosion-prone service that demands test hardware and instrumentation engineered to survive it. You’ll lead the design, build, instrumentation, and operation of the test stand, working closely with gasifier reactor engineers and Arbor’s Systems Engineering team to turn ambitious campaign objectives into safely executed tests and trustworthy data. This role rewards an engineer who moves fast with loose guidance and tenaciously drives open questions to resolution; as Arbor’s R&D priorities evolve, you’ll bring the same test-engineering rigor to programs across the company. It’s hands-on, high-stakes work at the frontier of carbon-negative baseload power.

This is an onsite opportunity in our San Bernardino, CA test site.

Responsibilities

• Lead test-stand development from concept to ready-to-run—design, procure, build, instrument, and commission the fluid, mechanical, and control hardware needed to test high-pressure, high-temperature gasification systems.
• Design instrumentation, sampling, and flow-control hardware that survives particulate-laden, erosive, fouling service—purged pressure taps, protected thermocouples, syngas sample lines, and hot control valves that stay alive and trustworthy through a full campaign.
• Automate test operations and implement safe, repeatable abort and interlock logic for high-energy test sequences.
• Direct test execution—campaign planning, startup and shutdown sequencing, on-site operation, and real-time decision-making.
• Partner with gasifier reactor engineers and Arbor’s Systems Engineering team to translate campaign objectives into executable test plans, P&IDs, and operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot hardware, instrumentation, and control issues to root cause; drive corrective actions through to verified resolution and feed lessons into the next test.
• Develop and maintain test-site procedures and operating practices, ensure compliance with safety standards, and participate in process hazard analyses (PHA/HAZOP) as the program evolves.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or related Engineering field.
• 5+ years of hands-on test-engineering experience—system testing, validation, or commissioning—with meaningful time spent building and operating test stands.
• Direct experience with high-pressure gas systems and high-temperature systems, including the hardware, instrumentation, and safety practices they demand.
• Strong instrumentation, sensor integration, and data acquisition skills—a track record of getting reliable measurements out of difficult service and turning test data into clear findings.
• Highly self-directed—able to take a broad goal, operate with minimal oversight, and drive the details to resolution without waiting to be steered.
• Strong ownership mentality and a curious, inventive mindset suited to a small, fast-paced startup environment.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site at Arbor’s test facility in San Bernardino, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with gasification, slag-forming or oxy-fuel combustion, refractory-lined reactors, FCC, coker, ash- or solids-handling, or other dirty, high-temperature, fouling-prone systems.
• Hands-on operating experience in a pilot plant, test stand, national lab pilot program, or aerospace test cell environment.
• Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar for data reduction; experience with PLCs, control systems, and industrial sensors.
• Experience with supercritical CO₂ or other high-pressure (100+ bar) systems.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (ASME, API) and test-site safety practice.
• Background in startup, R&D, or first-of-a-kind hardware development environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• 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.