Senior Test Engineer

About Net Power  

Passionate about making an impact? We are. At Net Power we are driven by our vision of empowering a clean world by globally deploying affordable and reliable zero-emissions energy. We are a well-capitalized, public clean energy technology company based in Durham, North Carolina with operations in Houston and La Porte, Texas.  

Our impact is transformational 

Net Power technology doesn’t just reduce the world’s carbon footprint. It delivers the Energy Trifecta: Reliable, Low-Cost, Clean Energy. A winning solution for everyone.  

Job Overview

Net Power is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to lead the day-to-day testing operations at our La Porte demonstration facility, reporting to our Head of Test Engineering. You will help Net Power and our partners demonstrate our clean energy cycle to the world by leading the validation of our technology in collaboration with our partners. You’ll be responsible for planning and executing test campaigns, ensuring test objectives are met while overseeing the health and integrity of our one-of-a-kind facility. If you thrive in a hands-on, dynamic environment and have a passion for making things happen, this role is for you.

This position will be based at our demonstration facility in La Porte, TX.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead Test Execution

• Own the daily planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of system and component tests at Net Power’s La Porte Demonstration Facility.
• Lead and communicate with precision to meet testing milestones, collaborating across engineering disciplines, project management and support staff, key partners, and the operations and maintenance staff running the facility.
• Translate and prioritize product and system test objectives into actionable test plans, schedules, and procedures for engineers and operators.
• Aggregate and coordinate tests across partners, vendors, and Net Power needs to meet program priorities.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Develop and refine test procedures given lessons learned or as systems are added and upgraded in the facility.
• Review designs and oversee modifications to the facility to ensure fit-for-purpose; documenting as-built configurations.
• Work with design and O&M team to understand health of components, how that might influence facility operations, and determine when components must be replaced, updated, or modified to minimize downtime and ensure value of test data.

Ensure Safety and Sound Decision-making

• Act as technical authority in the control room to ensure safety (personnel and facility), data integrity, and alignment with test goals.
• Rapidly assess and respond to anomalies and faults, balancing risk, safety, and test priorities.
• Lead anomaly and fault investigations, drive to root cause and implement corrective actions.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a preference for chemical, mechanical, or aerospace degrees.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in testing new and unproven products and/or systems in the energy, aerospace, or industrial space.
• Strong understanding of test planning, instrumentation, operation, and control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams – balancing technical requirements, safety constraints, and real-time operational decisions.
• Excellent communication skills and a calm, analytical approach to real-time problem solving.
• Experience working with high-risk, high-complexity systems is a strong plus.
• Experience with Engineering change management processes and controls.

Additional Requirements:

Candidates must be able to perform essential functions as outlined below, including but not limited to:

• Ability to work in changing climate conditions and a plant environment.
• Able to work in close quarters: i.e., work while kneeling, squatting, sitting, climbing, and standing.
• Follow and adhere to all applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines (ex: eye protection, footwear, hard hat, FRC).
• The position will require the ability to work in an office environment as well as perform equipment testing in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

What Net Power Offers You

• Amazing growth and learning opportunities