Arbor’s team of world-class engineers and scientists are developing a scalable, low-cost approach to Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) based on modern rocket engine technology. BECCS is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approach that uses biomass to produce energy and remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it permanently underground, while ensuring food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity are not affected. Our modular technology leverages the power density of supercritical CO2 to enable compact gasification, oxy-combustion, and high-pressure turbo-expansion to convert abundant waste biomass into clean electricity, water, and high-purity CO2, capturing and sequestering all emissions from the process. Our team brings together a passion for science, technology, and global stewardship to make low-cost, high-quality carbon removal and baseload power a reality.
We are seeking a Lead Test Engineer to develop, execute, and oversee testing procedures and test stand hardware to test complex fluid, mechanical and electrical systems. This role involves designing test plans, analyzing performance data, building and troubleshooting test stand fluids and instrumentation systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate has experience in test automation, data acquisition, and working with high-energy or hazardous systems. This position requires on-site work with up to 40% travel to our test site in San Bernardino, CA.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with design engineers to develop and implement test plans for fluid, electrical, and control systems.
- Oversee test execution, analyze data, and troubleshoot system performance issues.
- Design and maintain test fluid systems, fixtures, and instrumentation.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
- Develop and maintain procedures for test site operation and management.
- Lead a team of test engineers and technicians in executing test campaigns.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field.
- 5+ years of experience in system testing, validation, or a related field.
- Experience leading a team.
- Experience with high-pressure gas systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with test instrumentation and sensor integration.
- Proficiency in analyzing test data and generating reports.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience testing high-energy or hazardous systems (high voltage, high pressure, etc.).
- Experience with data acquisition and test automation systems.
- Knowledge of LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar for test automation.
- Experience working with PLCs, control systems, and industrial sensors.
- Familiarity with industry standards such as API, ASME, IEEE, or MIL-STD.
- Experience in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment.
- Strong leadership and project management skills.
Arbor is an equal-opportunity employer. We never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status. Building a global solution to this global problem will require humans of all varieties to contribute diverse ideas and experiences, so we have put finding and hiring qualified individuals from underrepresented groups at the top of our priority list.
Top Skills
What We Do
At Arbor, we’re sustainably powering the present while erasing emissions of the past. Our innovative system transforms organic waste into clean, reliable electricity while capturing carbon dioxide at scale.
Founded by space tech veterans who pivoted from building technology to explore new planets to protecting our own, Arbor leverages cutting-edge aerospace technology to tackle climate change. Our mission is to bring gigawatts of clean, dependable baseload power online while removing gigatons of legacy carbon emissions. Earth is the most important spaceship we’ll ever have, and we’re dedicated to restoring its balance.
Drawing on our team’s deep aerospace expertise, we’ve created a power system that meets today’s demands while repairing yesterday’s damage. Arbor’s engine, fueled by organic waste, improves on Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) using advancements in oxy-combustion, supercritical turbomachinery, and additive manufacturing. The system turns waste—like overgrown brush, crop residues, and food waste—into clean power, reducing wildfire risks and landfill emissions. The captured CO2 is permanently stored deep underground, where it mineralizes into rock, ensuring it never returns to the atmosphere.
At Arbor, we envision a future where human progress and environmental stewardship work in harmony to power our world and bring the planet into balance. We’re proudly backed by climate-focused investors including Gigascale Capital, Voyager Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital, and Cantos Ventures.
