Sr. Thermodynamics Performance Engineer

Arbor Energy; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-IPO stock options

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

Arbor Energy in El Segundo, California is seeking a Sr. Thermodynamics Performance Engineer to manage dynamic and steady-state thermodynamic models of a supercritical CO₂ power cycle. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in a relevant engineering field, extensive experience in thermodynamic systems modeling, and strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics and heat transfer. The role includes running performance studies, collaborating with various engineering teams, and developing simulation infrastructure. Benefits include competitive pay, stock options, and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in cycle performance analysis, thermodynamic systems modeling, or dynamic process simulation.
• Demonstrated experience building dynamic simulation models of fluid/thermal systems in an industry-grade 1D simulation platform.
• Experience with supercritical CO₂ or closed Brayton cycles.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrated cycle performance model for the sCO₂ Brayton power loop.
• Run performance prediction and sensitivity studies ahead of test campaigns.
• Collaborate with combustion, turbomachinery, and controls teams.

Skills

Thermodynamics fundamentals

Fluid mechanics

Heat transfer

Dynamic simulation modeling

Python programming

MATLAB/Simulink

Power-loop equipment knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or related field

Tools

GT-SUITE

Modelica

Dymola

Job description

Arbor Energy & Resources Corporation ('Arbor Energy') is developing clean, reliable baseload electricity using a supercritical CO₂ turbine with integrated carbon capture. We build modular, fuel‑flexible power systems that operate without operating emissions and are designed for today's energy demands.

Our team blends aerospace, combustion, and systems engineering to produce technology that supports a sustainable future.

We are looking for a Sr. Thermodynamics Performance Engineer to own the dynamic and steady‑state thermodynamic models of our direct‑fired supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle. The role turns integrated system behavior into actionable insight, runs performance studies ahead of test campaigns, reconciles predictions against test data, and expands our modeling capability into a digital‑twin‑quality simulation platform that supports controls development, trip response, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrated cycle performance model—steady‑state and dynamic—for our direct‑fired sCO₂ Brayton power loop, maintaining and advancing it through the hardware lifecycle.
• Run performance prediction and sensitivity studies ahead of test campaigns; reconcile model output against test data to drive refinement and surface component‑level insights.
• Own the decision process on how our dynamic modeling stack should evolve over time—platform selection, fidelity, and evidence.
• Build property tables, turbomachinery map handling, heat exchanger transient models, and combustor representations appropriate to the cycle and fidelity required.
• Collaborate with combustion, turbomachinery, heat‑exchanger, and controls teams to integrate component data and plan closed‑loop simulation and HIL.
• Develop simulation infrastructure—scripted scenario runs, parameter sweeps, validation cases—to make the model usable by engineers beyond yourself.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Nuclear, or a related engineering field.
• 6+ years of experience in cycle performance analysis, thermodynamic systems modeling, or dynamic process simulation.
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer within integrated multi‑component systems.
• Demonstrated experience building dynamic simulation models of fluid/thermal systems in an industry‑grade 1D simulation platform and a clear view on tool tradeoffs for closed‑loop power cycle applications.
• Working knowledge of power‑loop equipment—heat‑exchanger sizing, compressor/pump curves, valve Cv, piping hydraulics—and dynamic response of each component.
• Programming proficiency: Python for data reduction and automation; MATLAB/Simulink, Modelica, or equivalent for modeling.
• Strong ownership mentality and comfort driving rigorous analysis in a fast‑paced startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep experience with industry dynamic simulation platforms such as GT‑SUITE, Modelica/Dymola, NPSS, Flownex, Simcenter Amesim, or equivalents applied to turbomachinery, power cycles, or closed‑loop thermal‑fluid systems.
• Background in nuclear thermal‑hydraulics with fast‑dynamic single‑phase modeling experience (RELAP, TRACE, MARS, ATHLET, GAMMA, or equivalents), applied to gas‑cooled or sCO₂ reactor concepts.
• Working knowledge of real‑fluid EOS handling (REFPROP, CoolProp, Span‑Wagner) and turbomachinery map interpolation near critical conditions.
• History of making and defending tool/methodology decisions in a constrained engineering environment.
• Experience with supercritical CO₂, closed Brayton cycles, high‑pressure systems (100+ bar), or other high‑density working fluids.
• Experience coupling plant models to control systems for HIL testing, controller validation, FMU export, or operator training simulators.
• Hands‑on plant startup, commissioning, or field troubleshooting on first‑of‑a‑kind or developmental systems.
• Background in rocketry, gas turbine, advanced reactors, or high‑performance turbomachinery environments.

Benefits

• Base Pay: $165,000 - $180,000 USD/year, subject to skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
• 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) with employer match.
• Annual learning and development stipend.

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.