Principal Engineer I, Sustainable Fuels

At AIR COMPANY we are paving a pathway to global decarbonization by transforming CO₂ into endless resources via industrial scale applications. Working with nature, rather than against it, our proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology mimics photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and water via renewable energy into carbon-negative chemicals and fuels. 

We have commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and have been awarded multiple government contracts from NASA and the United States Department of Defense. AIR COMPANY has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Fast Company World Changing Ideas and the XPRIZE for Carbon Removal. 

We are proudly headquartered in New York City and co-founded by Gregory Constantine (CEO) and Dr. Stafford Sheehan (CTO). Our team spans a diverse group of world-leading experts in chemistry, engineering and technological development and deployment. AIR COMPANY is backed by capital partners aligned with the company’s mission to boldly transform industry including the US Department of Defense, NASA, Toyota Ventures, JetBlue Ventures and Carbon Direct.

The Position

We are seeking a Technology Specialist, Sustainable Fuels to join our team. In this role, you will be a key player in developing and commercializing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production technologies as part of our dedicated focus on decarbonization and greener earth. This position will contribute to leading the new technology development and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel, and realization of business value across the internal and external stakeholders. This position will report to our Director, Development within the RD&E organization. This role is based at the Air Innovation Center (AIC) in Brooklyn, NY.

What you get to do

As a Technology Specialist, Sustainable Fuels, you will lead pilot plant development and experimental data analysis working closely with the Engineering Science and Catalysis/Research groups to develop reactor and process scale-up models, process and reactor simulation, analytical testing, and synthesize/generate process flow diagrams for the new technologies. You will be primarily responsible for experimental schemes and data on mass and energy balance, as well as process optimization in order to prepare a basic engineering design (BED) and related documentation. You will partner with the Engineering department, which will be your internal customer to support creation of final PFDs, P&IDs and Engineering Design Packages. You will ensure safe operation of pilot plant activities and pro-actively participate in Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) reviews.

• Lead cross-functional technology development team in the field of sustainable aviation fuel by following Air Company’s stage gate review system. Follow new technology development project schedules and timelines.
• Build pilot plants with pilot plant design group and outside pilot plant fabrication shops to support the new technology development. Give clear instructions to the pilot plant operations group to run the pilot plants.
• Work with Catalyst group, Engineering Science group and Engineering Department to select the right reactor and downstream separations for new catalysts and new processes, and develop reactor and process scale up models, and process ASPEN simulation models.
• Support and advise on the preparation or review of various engineering deliverables such as PFDs, P&IDs, process datasheets, equipment specifications, process simulations or design calculations.
• Review technology licensors basic engineering  design packages (BDEP/PDP), validation studies, sizing & selection of equipment, control philosophies, start-up and shutdown procedures, operations & maintenance protocols, etc.
• Participate in HAZOP and other safety related studies and discussions.
• Provide technical and process engineering input into the management of change (MOC).
• Work with the commercial department to set the direction of future technology development and technology roadmap in the field of SAF.  
• Support technology sales activities by presenting the new technology to outside customers and conferences. Join the sales trips with people from sales and/or sales support group.
• Ensuring compliance with (the most recent) technical specifications, codes, and standards.
• Participate in risk assessments and meetings with PMC and EPC Contractor.
• Aid in advanced troubleshooting of the customer issues at their plants when necessary.

What you bring to AIR COMPANY

• B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, advanced degree preferred 
• 10+ years of experience in refining, chemical, petrochemical, or energy industry
• 5+ ye