Staff Research Engineer

About the role

Department

Climate Systems Engineering Research Initiatives

Job Summary

The Climate Systems Engineering initiative at the University of Chicago seeks an experienced Research Engineer to help bridge the gaps between academic modeling and factual engineering planning of SAI and open-system CDR.

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) is a prospective climate engineering approach by which small particles, typically sulfate aerosol precursors, are delivered to the lower stratosphere by fixed-wing aircraft to temporarily offset some warming induced by increased atmospheric CO2.

This role collaborates on improving technological readiness for stratospheric aerosol injection and open-system carbon dioxide removal approaches deployment. Open-system carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches seek to amend natural systems to enhance their capacity to remove and sequester CO2 with the aim of reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

Examples include (i) ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) in which alkalinizing materials are added to seawater to increase the ocean's capacity to store inorganic carbon; as well as (ii) enhanced rock weathering in which suitable minerals are applied to agricultural lands to accelerate natural geochemical carbon cycling.

While these approaches have recently seen a rapid rise in academic research, industry interest and policy attention, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding their deployment and general implementation, which at this stage are still largely theoretical.

Responsibilities

• Establishes conceptual designs for stratospheric deployment aircraft using conventional technologies from the established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Evaluates new-build deployment aircraft with novel engine technologies including hybrid electrics, propeller-driven turbo shaft, reciprocating engines turbocharged by multi-stage compressors, etc.
• Conducts techno-economic analyses and evaluates cost estimates for SAI experiment scenarios. For example, assessing cost across aerosol production, delivery systems, and flight operations.
• Designs and evaluates aerosol dispersal technology.
• Manages engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC)/aerospace firm design subcontracts.
• Supports writing white paper and/or peer-reviewed publications, synthesizing pre-existing reports and available information on carbon-neutral quicklime production, as well as other relevant topics.
• Conducts techno-economic analyses and evaluates cost estimates for end-to-end large scale OAE deployments, for example, slaked lime dispersal from calcination and associated CO2 storage to material distribution.
• Designs and evaluates processes and technologies for alkalinizing material dispersal in open-ocean settings.
• Assists in designing laboratory experiments testing engineering hypotheses. Manages subcontracts with EPC firms and consultants.
• Plans own resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time, to standard and to budget.
• With a moderate level of guidance, researches, designs and evaluates a variety of mechanical processes and machinery.
• Performs development activities including drawing board layout, interpretation and implementation of project specifications and documentation requirements.
• Conducts engineering studies and assigns work to technical staff. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: Preferred Qualifications

Education

• BS in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or related engineering field.

Experience

• Industry experience in aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, energy, or related industry.
• Extensive experience interfacing with OEM/EPC/subcontractors/suppliers.
• Background managing technical risks and uncertainties in early-stage systems design and conducting feasibility assessments across technical and cost dimensions.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Proficiency in techno-economic analysis (TEA) methodology, including cost estimation, system-level trade-offs, and sensitivity analysis.
• Leading or contributing to subcontract management with engineering firms, OEMs, and aerospace contractors.
• Strong communication skills for translating between academic researchers, industry partners, and project leadership on technical matters.

Preferred Competencies

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Work closely with senior University officials.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Working Conditions

• In-person, office-based role on Hyde Park campus.
• Eligible for a partially remote work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter describing why the applicant is interested in and qualified for this specific position (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

Additional information

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

• Job Family
• Research
• Role Impact
• Individual Contributor
• Scheduled Weekly Hours
• 37.5
• Drug Test Required
• No
• Health Screen Required
• No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
• No
• Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range $110,000.00 - $120,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.