Gasification Engineer
El Segundo, CA
Engineering (Combustion) /
Full Time (Salaried) /
On-site
Arbor is a team of engineers, scientists, and builders focused on creating the next generation of clean energy systems. Our work combines high-efficiency turbomachinery, advanced combustion, and modular design to deliver zero-emission, fuel-flexible power at scale. We’ve drawn from aerospace and industrial expertise to meet the challenge of surging electricity demand—and to offer a solution that installs faster, performs better, and costs less than conventional alternatives. We’re designing energy systems that can evolve with the world’s needs.
We’re looking for a Gasification Engineer to take ownership of the development, testing, and optimization of our biomass gasification reactor as we scale from demonstration to pilot and beyond. As a core member of a small, hands-on combustion team, you’ll guide daily operations, execute performance testing, and lead design improvements to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performing systems.
Responsibilities
- Serve as technical lead for the biomass gasification reactor, owning design, build, operation, and iteration.
- Conduct and lead test campaigns, including planning, execution, and data analysis.
- Operate and troubleshoot the gasification reactor during daily testing and development.
- Guide system configuration and performance optimization efforts.
- Own and execute feedstock sensitivity studies to assess system flexibility and robustness.
- Drive continuous improvement through design changes and upgrades.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support system integration and scale-up.
- Ensure safe operation of high-temperature, high-pressure thermochemical equipment.
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.
- Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to own product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation.
- Willing to travel (up to 20%) to the test site in San Bernardino, CA, for operational activities and builds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) with a focus on combustion science or energy systems.
- Experience with supercritical CO₂ or high-pressure combustion systems.
- Familiarity with low-emissions combustion strategies, such as lean premixed combustion or staged combustion.
- Knowledge of chemical kinetics and fuel property effects on combustion behavior.
- Proficiency in combustion modeling tools (e.g., CHEMKIN, Cantera, Fluent, or OpenFOAM).
- Programming or scripting skills for data reduction and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
- Experience working in startup or experimental R&D environments.
Benefits
- 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!
$130,000 - $150,000 a year
The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, and experience.
Arbor 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.
