Research Engineer

Department

The Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) is a university-wide research effort anchored in the University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. CSEi addresses the science, engineering and policy of new technologies to reduce or reverse the harms from accumulated greenhouse gases, including open-systems carbon removal, solar geoengineering and local interventions to slow the melting of glaciers. The initiative spans engineering, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, humanistic approaches, behavioral science, law, policy and ethics, bringing together a collaborative group of faculty and researchers and leveraging the global network and partnerships of the university.

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 stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and open-system carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches.

• Establish conceptual designs for stratospheric deployment aircraft using conventional technologies from established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Evaluate new-build deployment aircraft with novel engine technologies such as hybrid electrics, propeller-driven turboshifts, reciprocating engines turbocharged by multi-stage compressors, etc.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses and evaluate cost estimates for SAI experiment scenarios, e.g., assessing costs across aerosol production, delivery systems, and flight operations.
• Design and evaluate aerosol dispersal technology.
• Manage engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)/aerospace firm design subcontracts.
• Support writing white papers and/or peer-reviewed publications, synthesizing pre-existing reports and available information on topics such as carbon-neutral quicklime production.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses and evaluate cost estimates for end-to-end large-scale OAE deployments, e.g., slaked lime dispersal from calcination and associated CO₂ storage to material distribution.
• Design and evaluate processes and technologies for alkalinizing material dispersal in open-ocean settings.
• Assist in designing laboratory experiments testing engineering hypotheses.
• Manage subcontracts with EPC firms and consultants.
• Plan resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time, to standard and to budget.
• Research, design and evaluate a variety of mechanical processes and machinery with moderate guidance.
• Perform development activities including drawing-board layout, interpretation and implementation of project specifications and documentation requirements.
• Conduct engineering studies and assign work to technical staff.
• Build knowledge of the organization, processes and customers.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• Education:
  
  Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Work Experience:
  
  Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Education:
  
  BS in mechanical, chemical, aerospace or related engineering field.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, energy or related industry experience.
• 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:
  
  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.
• 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…