Sr. Combustion Engineer; Syngas Oxyfuel

Role Overview

The Sr. Combustion Engineer (Syngas Oxyfuel) helps pioneer our rocket‑derived, high‑pressure combustion systems for carbon‑negative power cycles, burning our biomass‑produced syngas in a high‑efficiency combustor. In this role, you’ll take syngas oxy‑combustion from lab‑scale characterization to implementation running off of gasifier syngas within a year and carry what you learn into the development of fuel‑flexible combustors at the heart of our commercial product.

You will partner closely with test engineers, analysts, and designers to push boundaries—delivering breakthrough performance that powers a sustainable future.

From conceptual design and modeling to hands‑on testing and rapid iteration, you’ll own the full hardware lifecycle.

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

• Develop the kinetics that the envelope demands: reduced H₂/CO/CO₂ mechanisms, flame‑speed, autoignition and blowout limits across composition; anchor models to hot‑fire data
• Plan, execute, and analyze high‑pressure and temperature test campaigns, delivering actionable insights to accelerate progress
• Own rapid hardware development cycles—from manufacturing and assembly through testing and iterative improvements
• Leverage additive manufacturing and state‑of‑the‑art simulation tools to accelerate innovation and reduce development timelines

• 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
• Comfort in high‑pressure / real‑fluid combustion (supercritical reactants, CO₂ dilution) and/or a demonstrated track record of ramping into an unfamiliar regime fast
• Curious, inventive, and entrepreneurial mindset comfortable driving progress

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Aerospace or Chemical engineering
• Hands‑on experience with hot‑fire testing and high‑pressure systems in rocket or gas turbine environments
• Programming or scripting skills for data reduction and automation (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Background in startup environments or agile hardware development cycles

• 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
: $150,000 - $175,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

Arbor Energy 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.

Our hiring process is designed to be accessible, fair, and focused on the work that matters most for this role. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment—please let us know if you need one.