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Carbon Capture Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Carbon Capture reactors and the supporting test infrastructure including hardware-in-the-loop digital twin systems. If you have a passion for building robust systems, solving complex engineering ...

... Carbon Capture reactors and the supporting test infrastructure including hardware-in-the-loop digital twin systems. If you have a passion for building robust systems, solving complex engineering ...

... Carbon Capture reactors and the supporting test infrastructure including hardware-in-the-loop digital twin systems. If you have a passion for building robust systems, solving complex engineering ...

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Carbon Capture Engineering information

See California salary details

$107.6K

$170.7K

How much do carbon capture engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for carbon capture engineering in California is $165,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or technologies do carbon capture engineers typically work on?

Carbon Capture Engineers typically work on designing, optimizing, and maintaining systems that remove carbon dioxide from industrial processes or directly from the atmosphere. Projects often involve developing or improving post-combustion, pre-combustion, or direct air capture technologies, and may include pilot plant operations, scaling up to commercial facilities, and integrating carbon capture with existing infrastructures. Engineers frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, environmental scientists, and project managers—to deliver effective solutions. Staying up to date with emerging technologies and regulations is also a key part of the role, making the work both dynamic and impactful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in carbon capture engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive in Carbon Capture Engineering, you need a robust understanding of chemical and environmental engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process modeling software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), knowledge of carbon capture technologies, and related certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or relevant safety training are commonly required. Strong problem-solving ability, project management, and effective communication skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to evolving technologies. These qualifications enable engineers to design, implement, and optimize carbon capture systems that are critical for reducing industrial emissions and meeting sustainability goals.

What is carbon capture engineering?

A Carbon Capture Engineering job focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes and power plants. Engineers in this field work on processes like post-combustion, pre-combustion, and direct air capture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to implement sustainable solutions. Their work is critical in achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating climate change impacts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Carbon Capture Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Carbon Capture Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Carbon Capture Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Carbon Capture Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Carbon Capture Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,287 per year, or $79.5 per hour.

$166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Department Summary
The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a cross-campus technology translation organization focused on accelerating carbon management solutions from laboratory discovery to pre-commercial and commercial-scale deployment. ICM advances technologies across two primary domains: 1. Carbon dioxide removal, utilization, and avoidance, and decarbonization of foundational industries such as cement and steel. 2. Development of new supply chains and processing pathways for critical materials (e.g., Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo) that enable the clean energy transition while reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM operates through agile, convergent action teams that integrate engineering, science, and systems analysis. These teams have contributed to award-winning technologies, including the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE and the Liveability Challenge, and have enabled the formation of multiple spin-out companies such as CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Equatic Inc.
Position Summary
ICM is seeking a Systems Engineer to join an integrated, multidisciplinary team conducting rigorous, quantitative assessments of carbon management technologies, including carbon capture, utilization, storage, and carbon dioxide removal systems. The work spans technical, economic, environmental, infrastructure, and policy dimensions to evaluate real-world deployment potential and scalability of emerging technologies. Research Engineers will focus on applied, integrative analysis that supports technology evaluation, deployment strategy development, and decision-making frameworks for carbon management systems. They will translate complex technical, economic, and environmental data into structured assessments, technical reports, and actionable insights that inform deployment and scale-up decisions.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of Post-degree experience in academia, industry, or government (excluding graduate training). (Required)
  • Demonstrated experience in technical writing, reporting, or applied analysis. (Required)
  • Experience in public policy, government, or regulatory environments. (Preferred)
  • Industrial R&D or technology strategy experience. (Preferred)
  • Experience with TEA, LCA, process design, or systems modeling. (Preferred)
  • Strong quantitative, data analysis, and systems thinking skills. (Required)
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams. (Required)
  • Excellent communication skills. (Required)
  • Familiarity with optimization, environmental economics, or industrial ecology. (Preferred)

  • Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
  • Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Economics, Applied Mathematics, or related field (Required)
  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Economics, Applied Mathematics, or related field (Preferred)

  • Special Conditions for Employment
  • Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
  • Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

  • Schedule
    8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Union/Policy Covered
    TX-Systemwide Technical
    Complete Position Description
    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Research%20and%20Development%20Engineer%202%20TX%20(TBD_941380)