Chemical Engineer, Reactor & Kinetic Modeling

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 Chemical Engineer, Reactor & Kinetic Modeling to join our team. This role will report to our Senior Manager, Engineering Science. This position will contribute to advancing our technology through detailed 1-D and 2-D reactor modeling, experimental pilot plants data acquisition, analysis,  evaluation, and process simulation. This role is based in  Brooklyn, NY.

What you get to do 

• Lead R&D projects focused on heterogeneous catalytic reactions, optimizing processes and scaling them for industrial applications.
• Develop robust kinetic expressions and rate laws (first principles and empirical) using micro-and macro-kinetics (MK), transition-state-theory (TST), multivariate statistical approaches, residence time distribution analysis.
• Design unique experiments to independently measure fundamental kinetic parameters, exploring hydrodynamics and intrinsic or effective kinetic analysis along with deactivation mechanisms and perform advanced data regression (linear and nonlinear) and data fitting to improve existing kinetic parameters
• Develop and visualize reactor models that capture the heat, mass and momentum gradients and physico-chemical phenomena taking place within a reactor system, as well as, reaction network analysis, and/or reaction graph theory, reaction coordinate analysis and catalytic cycle/turn-over diagrams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, operate, and troubleshoot pilot plant experiments and equipment. 
• Analyze and interpret pilot plant data to provide recommendations for process improvements and scale-up strategies. 
• Contribute to the development of technical reports, patents, and scientific publications. 

What you bring to AIR COMPANY

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field with a strong background in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactors. Mastering the theory and practical knowledge with multiphase chemical reactors and transport phenomena. 
• Fundamental understanding of thermodynamics for both reaction and phase behavior.
• Proven experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies and process optimization.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant operations, experimental setup, and troubleshooting. 
• Proficiency with numerical and computational modeling tools (e.g. Matlab, Maple, Mathematica, Polymath, Python, COMSOL, Fluent, ANSYS, OpenFOAM)  and statistical algorithms ((e.g. neural Networks, partial least squares, projection to latent structures, PCR, SIMCA-P, Monte-carlo simulations, machine learning)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in a team environment. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for technical reporting and collaboration across departments. 

Bonus Points 

• Postdoctoral or industry experience in catalysis, kinetic modeling, and process development in Oil and gas industry, Power to X and Fischer-Tropsch processes and SAF area
• Familiarity with modern analytical techniques for catalyst characterization.
• Experience with reactor scale-up from pilot to industrial scale. 

Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 

The approximate annual base compensation range and benefits listed above may vary based on the applicant's experience, skills, abilities, and relevant industry expertise.

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

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate’s ability to obtain and maintain appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.

We may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as we deem appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

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