Director, Engineering

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 Director, Engineering to join our team. This role will report to our VP, RD&E. This position will be managing Air Company’s engineering functions that include engineering design, equipment design, technical services, and sales support. This role will work closely with engineers and scientists from the Development team and perform the engineering design for commercial scale units based on Air Company’s technologies. This person will engage with outside EPCs, equipment vendors, and construction firms to help build renewable fuel and chemical plants for Air Company and for our licensed customers. This role is based in Brooklyn, NY.

What you get to do 

• Support VP of RD&E and partner with other key internal stakeholders such as Director of Development to formulate the strategy of Engineering and lead the execution of the strategy across the Company
• Lead the engineering department with multiple engineering functions such as Process Design, Process Control & Instrument, Engineering Project Management, Process Safety, Mechanical and Rotating Equipment design, Technical/plant Services, Sales Support etc. 
• Build a strong engineering system by implementing an effective management operating system (MOS) through all the engineering organizations.  
• Partner closely with the technology development department, external EPC companies and vendors to drive the commercialization of Air Company’s in-house technologies by providing all engineering support, for production of basic engineering packages, including hydraulics, process control scheme selection, key mechanical equipment, reactor selection and design, equipment data sheets, PFDs and P&IDs, HAZOP, plant commission and startup, etc.  
• Provide project management for major engineering projects to ensure the projects are delivered on time and within the budget. 
• Assist with recruitment to acquire top talents in the fields of chemical, mechanical, electronical, control, process, and equipment/instruments and formulate long-term team objectives and performance standards to enable the career growth of team members.   
• Support external and internal customers and licensees with cross functional partnerships to identify technology improvement needs, maintain process designs with quality, cost control, manufacturability, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Lead the team to provide engineering support to Air Company’s future manufacture plants

What you bring to AIR COMPANY

• BS degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering 
• 15+ years of chemical or fuel industrial experience in the chemical process development, design, technical services, and customer services. 
• 5+ years of management role for an engineering organization 
• Familiar with safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals, and process HAZOP
• Experience in large engineering project management
• Experience in working with EPC companies and different type of vendors
• Ability to work proactively and independently with an energized team
• Team player with passion on sustainable development

Bonus Points

•  Advanced engineering degree desirable (MS/Phd)
• Experience with chemical process scale up and commercialization preferred

Salary Range: $200 - $240K 

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