Combustion Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Purpose

The Advanced Engineer, Combustion Aerodynamics is a hands-on technical contributor to the research, testing, and development program for the KARNO generator's reactor and oxidation system. This position executes combustion aerodynamics test campaigns, analyzes experimental and simulation data, and supports development and validation of combustion hardware. The position works closely with mechanical, thermal, and performance engineering to translate combustion test data into system design decisions and supports emissions testing in connection with regulatory certification requirements.

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute combustion aerodynamics test campaigns, including instrumentation setup, experiment execution, data collection, and documentation of results.
• Support development and validation of the reactor and oxidation system, including fuel/air mixing characterization, emissions measurement, and heat release analysis.
• Operate and maintain laboratory facilities used for combustion aerodynamics system development, and support expansion of lab capability as the program grows.
• Apply 1D reactor network models (CANTERA or CHEMKIN) to finite-rate chemistry analysis and correlate simulation predictions with experimental results.
• Use CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent or CFX) to support aerodynamic and thermal analysis of combustion and oxidizer geometry.
• Support emissions testing and data reporting for regulatory certification efforts, including EPA, CARB, and SCAQMD requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and performance engineering teams, providing combustion data and analysis that informs broader system design decisions.
• Participate in technical reviews, including preparation of data summaries, presentation of findings, and contribution to design trade-off discussions.
• Support design review of combustion-relevant hardware, including print review for tolerance and material alignment.
• Support supplier interactions and procurement of laboratory and prototype hardware as needed.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, needed, or required for the business.

Qualifications

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications include:

• Education, Experience and Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering required; Master's degree in a related engineering discipline preferred.
  • 5 to 10 years of engineering experience, including hands-on work in combustion testing, laboratory instrumentation, or combustion system development.
  • Experience in aerospace, power generation, industrial combustion, or a comparable technical environment where test rigor and data quality are critical.
• Skills and Abilities
  • Working knowledge of combustion fundamentals, including flame chemistry, fuel/air mixing, emissions formation (NOx, CO, UHC), and heat release characteristics across multiple fuel types.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation setup, calibration, and operation for pressure, temperature, flow, and chemical species measurement, including gas analyzers for O2, CO, CO2, NOx, and UHC.
  • Ability to run, interrogate, and interpret 1D reactor network models using CANTERA or CHEMKIN.
  • Experience using CFD tools (ANSYS Fluent or CFX) for combustion or fluid aerodynamic applications.
  • Experience with fluid and thermal systems beyond the combustor, including how oxidizer system behavior interacts with the broader thermal architecture.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software, NX preferred, for reviewing combustion hardware and supporting design work.
  • Familiarity with emissions testing conventions and regulatory reporting standards preferred.
  • Strong attention to data quality, test repeatability, and interpretation of measurement results.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical results to engineers across disciplines.
  • Ability to own a test campaign from planning through reporting while working within a research program led by senior combustion engineers.

Role Classification and Working Conditions

This is a salaried, exempt-level position based in Milford, OH. This position typically works in a production/assembly/engineering lab environment.

Physical/Other Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel up to 10%, as needed, by plane, automobile, etc., including travel to engineering providers and hardware suppliers.