Execute test plans on a biochar system involving high-temperature thermal processes such as ... * Assist with validation of test methods and measurement quality across pilot and lab workflows
Execute test plans on a biochar system involving high-temperature thermal processes such as ... * Assist with validation of test methods and measurement quality across pilot and lab workflows
Assistant Biochar information
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Biochar Technician, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Assistant Biochar Technician, you need a foundational understanding of environmental science or agriculture, often supported by a relevant associate degree or technical training. Familiarity with biochar production equipment, analytical instruments, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient operations and producing high-quality biochar that meets sustainability goals.
What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Biochar in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?
Assistant Biochars often face challenges such as managing high temperatures during the pyrolysis process, ensuring consistent feedstock quality, and maintaining safe operating conditions. Successfully addressing these challenges involves closely following safety protocols, regularly calibrating equipment, and collaborating with senior technicians and researchers to troubleshoot issues. Proactively communicating with the team and staying updated on best practices in biochar production can also help mitigate potential risks and ensure smooth daily operations.
What are Assistant Biochar roles and responsibilities?
An Assistant Biochar is typically responsible for supporting the production and research of biochar, a form of charcoal used to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Their duties may include operating machinery, preparing raw materials, monitoring production processes, collecting data, and assisting with quality control. They may also help in analyzing soil samples, maintaining equipment, and documenting findings for ongoing projects. The role often involves working with environmental scientists or engineers to ensure efficient and safe biochar production. Good communication and attention to detail are important in this position.
What is the difference between Assistant Biochar vs Soil Technician?
| Aspect | Assistant Biochar | Soil Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma, some technical training | High school diploma, specialized soil science training |
| Work Environment | Laboratory, outdoor biochar production sites | Field sites, agricultural settings |
| Industry Usage | Biochar production, renewable energy, environmental projects | Soil analysis, land management, agriculture |
Assistant Biochar and Soil Technician roles share similar credentials and work environments, often within environmental and agricultural industries. While Assistant Biochar focuses on biochar production and related environmental projects, Soil Technicians primarily analyze and manage soil health. Both roles support sustainable practices but differ in specific tasks and industry focus.
Test Engineer - Biochar Pilot
AMP: AI-Powered Sortation for Waste and RecyclingPortsmouth, VA • On-site
Other
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement
This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.
Job description
We're looking for a hands-on Test Engineer to help operate, test, and improve a small-scale biochar pilot system in Portsmouth, VA. This is a field-based role at the intersection of waste processing, thermal conversion, and climate technology.
Our mission is to turn difficult waste streams into valuable products while helping build durable carbon removal solutions. This role is a great fit for someone who wants to work on real hardware, real waste streams, and real climate impact - not just theory. You'll play a key part in generating the data, operational insight, and test discipline needed to scale a promising carbon removal pathway.
We're especially interested in candidates with experience in the waste, biomass, organics, high temperature processing or engineered fuels industries who are excited by the opportunity to apply that experience to a climate-focused startup environment.
What You'll DoPilot Operations & Test Execution
- Execute test plans on a biochar system involving high-temperature thermal processes such as pyrolysis and combustion
- Operate equipment processing municipal solid waste (MSW), organics, biomass, and engineered fuels
- Handle, prepare, and feed variable waste streams safely and consistently
- Perform system startups, shutdowns, inspections, and routine operating adjustments
- Ensure tests are run consistently, safely, and in accordance with defined procedures
Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting
- Collect, log, and validate operational and test data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Track feedstock characteristics such as moisture, contamination, and composition variability, and relate those factors to system performance
- Use Excel and other straightforward tools to organize, summarize, and interpret test data
- Document results clearly and support development of repeatable test methods and operating procedures
- Help identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities to improve performance and data quality
Scientific & Analytical Support
- Support sample collection and characterization for biochar, feedstocks, and process outputs
- Work with laboratory and analytical equipment used to evaluate material and process performance
- Assist with validation of test methods and measurement quality across pilot and lab workflows
- Contribute to data packages used to support technical development, reporting, and scale-up decisions
Continuous Improvement
- Help identify process issues and support practical solutions during pilot operation
- Improve test procedures, operating consistency, and data quality over time
- Work closely with engineering and operations teams in a fast-moving pilot environment where systems and procedures are still evolving
Required
- 2-5 years of experience in an industrial, pilot, field, laboratory, or manufacturing environment
- Experience in waste processing, organics handling, biomass, incineration, engineered fuels, or similar industrial sectors
- Familiarity with high-temperature thermal systems or industrial process equipment
- Strong attention to detail in data collection, documentation, and test execution
- Experience using Excel for data tracking, organization, and basic analysis
- Comfortable working in physically demanding industrial environments around waste streams and thermal equipment
- Strong safety-first mindset and respect for hazardous equipment, variable feedstocks, and industrial operating conditions
- Experience handling MSW, organics, biomass, RDF, SRF, or other heterogeneous feedstocks
- Background in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental science, or a related technical field
- Experience with lab-grade testing and analytical equipment, including:
- Elemental analysis
- TGA
- Ultimate and proximate analysis
- Moisture and ash testing
- Other scientific instrumentation used for material characterization
- Experience with MRV for CDR or familiarity with measurement, reporting, and verification approaches for carbon removal systems
- Familiarity with DAQ systems, sensors, wiring, or instrumentation
- Experience with pneumatic systems or propane/gas plumbing
- Experience validating system performance, including debugging or identifying issues in computer vision systems
- You're excited by the chance to work on a climate technology with real-world deployment potential
- You're comfortable working with waste-derived and organic feedstocks and understand the challenges of variable materials
- You're methodical, organized, and care about generating clean, defensible data
- You like being close to the process and can move between field work, test execution, and technical documentation
- You take safety seriously and bring a practical, hands-on attitude to industrial work
- You're energized by startup environments where priorities evolve and the team is building as it goes
- Work on technology that connects waste management, carbon removal, and industrial decarbonization
- Help convert real-world waste streams into useful products and measurable climate impact
- Join a startup environment where your work will directly shape the pilot, the data, and the path to scale
- Build experience across operations, testing, materials characterization, and climate-tech deployment
AMP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants who identify with a historically underrepresented group are encouraged to apply. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equity Grant: The candidate selected for this role will be recommended for a stock option grant commensurate with the position and the candidate's qualifications.
Benefits Information:
- Medical - The company covers between 77% to 100% of the premium for Cigna medical healthcare plans depending on the selection.
- Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance: The company covers the cost of Basic Life / AD&D 1 x Salary, option to purchase additional through New York Life
- Benefits start the day you start
- HSA Eligible Health Plans, Company Monthly Contributions!
- 401(k) retirement plan (non-matching)
- FTO - Flexible Time Off
- 6 Accrued Sick Days
- Eight (8) paid holidays
We'll consider applications on an ongoing basis.