Lead Combustion Engineer

Role Overview

Our Lead Combustion Engineer serves as the technical authority pioneering our rocket-inspired, high-pressure oxy-fuel combustion systems - integral in delivering carbon-neutral and carbon-negative power cycles at scale.

In this leadership role, you'll own the combustion subsystem, guiding a talented team through end-to-end development of breakthrough, high-efficiency devices in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. You'll drive strategy from clean-sheet concepts and advanced modeling through hands-on testing, rapid iteration, and performance validation, establishing the technical direction that powers a sustainable future.

You'll mentor junior engineers, align cross-functional efforts with test, analysis, and design teams, and make critical trade-off decisions to accelerate progress while pushing the boundaries of efficiency and reliability.

This is an onsite opportunity in our El Segundo, CA office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for oxy-fuel combustion systems: own architecture, clean-sheet design, rigorous analysis, and delivery of breakthrough performance
• Define and lead high-pressure/high-temperature test campaigns-from planning and execution through in-depth data analysis and actionable recommendations
• Direct system configuration trades and performance optimization to achieve maximum efficiency, reliability, and scalability
• Own rapid hardware development cycles-from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
• Champion the use of additive manufacturing, modern CFD/tools, and advanced simulation to shorten timelines and enable innovation
• Mentor team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement design upgrades that elevate system capability

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, chemical engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in combustion system design, analysis, and testing
• Deep expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and combustion
• Hands-on experience with high-temperature and pressure equipment
• Strong leadership presence with experience mentoring engineers and influencing cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to own product lifecycle from conceptual design to validation
• Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset-thrives in ambiguity and drives progress relentlessly

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical Engineering
• Direct experience leading hot-fire testing campaigns in rocket propulsion, gas turbines, or similar environments
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Prior success in startup or fast-paced 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

$170,000 - $185,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.