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Pilot Plant Design & Maintenance Engineer

Brooklyn, New York, United States

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 Pilot Plant Design & Maintenance Engineer to join our team. This role will report to our Senior Manager, Engineering Sciences. This position will be responsible for pilot plant design to support new technology development and commercialization. In your role as maintenance engineer, you will ensure that pilot plants uptime and quality of new products are optimized, working closely with operations supervisor, instrumentation engineer, operators, and other team members keeping in mind the "big picture" of technology development plans. In the maintenance engineer role, you will be primarily responsible for developing maintenance procedures and improving pilot plant performance, safety, and reliability in a cost-effective way. You will rely on data acquisition systems to monitor pilot plants and equipment, and diagnose failure points quickly to minimize downtime. You must have a deep understanding of how equipment (reactors, flow meters/controllers, separators, pressure regulators & relief valves, etc.) and various chemical process systems operate. You must be comfortable with the mobility and physical strength requirements, including the ability to climb ladders and fit into tight spaces, and ability to lift at least 50 pounds. This role is based in Brooklyn, NY. 

 

What you get to do 

  • Collaborate with research and development teams to design and scale up laboratory processes to pilot plant scale.
  • Assist with the design of equipment and systems for new pilot plants and lab reactor systems, ensuring they meet pilot plant process objectives and safety regulations / guidelines.
  • Work closely with team members to install and test new pilot plants, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety.
  • Participate in troubleshooting existing pilot plants to address design related issues.
  • Develop and implement modifications to existing pilot plants, aiming to minimize downtime and improve quality.
  • Work with external pilot plant fabricators to ensure the pilot plant systems built meet the requirements of Air Company standards.
  • Understand technical manuals and perform maintenance as necessary and per schedule
  • Repair faulty equipment and components or schedule a specialist if needed 
  • Maintain a detailed record of repair tasks and maintenance done
  • Develop Maintenance KPIs (such as downtime reduction, inventory record and reduction, performance quality, total uptime, % rework, etc.) 
  • Develop and implement maintenance budget as well as order necessary supplies

 

What you bring to AIR COMPANY

  • 3-5+ years of experience in designing and/or maintaining pilot plants for chemical, petrochemical, or renewable processes.
  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent science are also acceptable.
  • Expertise in pilot plant process and equipment design and down-selection of equipment within the cost constraints. 
  • Strong maintenance focused mindset along with demonstrated experience in maintenance, upkeep, and operation of chemical plants or equipment.
  • Very familiar with equipment such as compressors, liquid pumps, mass flow controllers, flow meters, temperature, and pressure controllers, etc. for pilot plant usage. 
  • A great attitude, with the ability to work collaboratively, proactively, and independently.  Eagerness to share knowledge and learn from others.
  • A team player with a strong passion for fostering a safe collaborative work environment. 

Bonus Points 

  • Master’s degree preferred

Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 (Engineer II or Senior Engineer)

At Air Company we value employees for their unique perspectives. We are an inclusive affirmative action Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, present or past history of intellectual, learning, mental, or physical disability (including but not limited to blindness) unless Air Company determines that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AIR COMPANY we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles

Working at Air Company

In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, we are:

  • A people-first, climate solutions company driven to move society to a more sustainable future
  • A unified team of climate optimists with an exceptional and diverse range of backgrounds
  • Committed to fostering collaboration with a team that believes in the power of science and that business can be used as a force for good… 

 

We also provide:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance. 100% coverage of employee insurance premiums, and 50% coverage of spouse & dependent insurance premiums.
  • Company funded Short Term Disability
  • Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays and sick leave
  • A tax deferred 401(k) Plan to invest in your future
  • Commuter Benefits: Pre-Tax Income for MassTransit
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Employee Wellness Program 
  • Sponsored company events and DEI social initiatives
  • Wednesday catered meals

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