Sr. Turbomachinery Engineer - Aerodynamics
El Segundo, CA / Remote (US Based)
Engineering (Turbomachinery) /
Full Time (Salaried) /
Hybrid
We are seeking a Sr. Turbomachinery Aerodynamics Engineer to define operating characteristics and design high-performance flowpaths, airfoils, and inlet/outlet geometries for a supercritical CO₂-based power cycle. This role involves CFD modeling, aerodynamic optimization, and experimental validation to enhance turbomachinery efficiency and operability. The ideal candidate has expertise in compressible flow, turbomachinery aerodynamics, and cycle performance analysis, with experience in both simulation and testing environments.
Arbor’s team of world-class engineers and scientists are developing a scalable, low-cost approach to Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) based on modern rocket engine technology. BECCS is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approach that uses biomass to produce energy and remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it permanently underground, while ensuring food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity are not affected. Our modular technology leverages the power density of supercritical CO2 to enable compact gasification, oxy-combustion, and high-pressure turbo-expansion to convert abundant waste biomass into clean electricity, water, and high-purity CO2, capturing and sequestering all emissions from the process. Our team brings together a passion for science, technology, and global stewardship to make low-cost, high-quality carbon removal and baseload power a reality.
Responsibilities
- Define turbomachinery operating characteristics for a supercritical CO₂ power cycle.
- Design and optimizeflowpaths, airfoils, and inlet/outlet geometries for compressors and turbines.
- Develop and run CFD simulations to assess aerodynamic performance and flow behavior.
- Analyze secondary flows, losses, and flow stability to improve efficiency and operability.
- Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and structural engineers to integrate aerodynamic designs.
- Support the development of test plans, instrumentation strategies, and data validation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a related Engineering field.
- 6+ years of experience in turbomachinery aerodynamics or aerodynamic design.
- Proficiency in CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, or similar).
- Strong understanding of compressible flow, boundary layers, and fluid-structure interactions.
- Experience designing airfoils, flowpaths, and gas path geometries for turbines or compressors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing turbomachinery throughout the product lifecycle, from concept to validation.
- Familiar with supercritical CO₂ cycles or high-density working fluids.
- Proficiency in NX CAD software
- Experience in startup or 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!
$160,000 - $180,000 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.
