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Direct Air Capture Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Capture Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

The Capture Manager owns the full capture lifecycle from opportunity identification through ... Direct to Phase II. * Familiarity with rapid fielding programs through Army RCCTO, Air Force RCO ...

Posted today

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Direct Air Capture information

What is direct air capture?

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology designed to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. Specialized machines use chemical processes to capture CO2, which can then be stored underground or reused in various applications such as making fuels or building materials. DAC is considered an important tool in the fight against climate change, especially for offsetting emissions that are hard to eliminate by other means. However, it is still a developing technology and can be energy-intensive and costly compared to other carbon removal methods.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work in direct air capture?

To excel as a Direct Air Capture Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical, mechanical, or environmental engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in process design. Familiarity with gas separation technologies, carbon capture systems, and data analysis software such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB is typically required. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on multidisciplinary projects and troubleshooting technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient capture systems and advancing climate solutions in this rapidly evolving field.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in direct air capture?

Professionals in Direct Air Capture (DAC) often encounter challenges related to maintaining and optimizing complex machinery in varying environmental conditions. The role typically requires balancing hands-on technical work with continuous process monitoring and troubleshooting to ensure efficient CO₂ capture. Additionally, as the technology is rapidly evolving, team members must stay updated on new advancements and adapt to changes in operational protocols. Close collaboration with engineers, researchers, and maintenance teams is essential to address technical issues and drive process improvements.

What is the difference between Direct Air Capture vs Carbon Capture Technician?

AspectDirect Air CaptureCarbon Capture Technician
CredentialsEngineering degrees, environmental science certificationsTechnical certifications, HVAC or industrial maintenance experience
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, specialized industrial sitesIndustrial plants, power stations, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageClimate change mitigation, environmental startupsFossil fuel industries, power plants, industrial sectors

Both roles involve working with environmental technologies, but Direct Air Capture focuses on developing and operating systems that remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere, often in research or specialized facilities. Carbon Capture Technicians typically maintain and operate equipment at industrial sites to capture emissions from existing processes. While they share some technical skills, their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Air Capture jobs in California?

For Direct Air Capture jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Air Capture jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Air Capture jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Direct Air Capture jobs?

Cities in California with the most Direct Air Capture job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Air Capture job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

About DZYNE
DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready.
We're growing fast and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you'll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member's success.
Ready to do work that matters? Join us.
Position Title: Capture Manager - Effectors
Location: Irvine, CA
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Position Summary:
DZYNE Technologies is seeking a results-driven Capture Manager to lead new business pursuits within the Effectors business unit, spanning precision-strike, loitering munitions, autonomous delivery and interceptor missile programs. The Capture Manager owns the full capture lifecycle from opportunity identification through contract award, navigating a portfolio of traditional ACAT weapon system programs, OTA vehicles, prize competitions, rapid fielding mechanisms, and SBIR/STTR pathways. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of the customer network across Army, Air Force, Navy, SOCOM, DIU, RCCTO, and OUSD(R&E), and has a track record of supporting winning captures in both traditional and non-traditional acquisition environments, and genuine technical depth in precision fires and terminal effects.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute winning capture strategies aligned with customer priorities and the competitive landscape in precision strike, loitering munitions, and interceptor markets.
  • Lead all phases of capture and proposal development: opportunity qualification, planning, resource coordination, schedule management, and compliance oversight across FAR-based RFPs, OTA solicitations, MTA programs, rapid fielding vehicles, and prize competitions.
  • In coordination with Business Development, engage government customers proactively, including program offices, requirements owners, and contracting officers across Army, SOCOM, DIU, OUSD(R&E), Air Force, and Navy, to shape requirements and acquisition strategies ahead of solicitation release, including JUON/JEON responses.
  • Conduct market and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities, assess incumbent vulnerabilities, and inform proposal strategy and pricing.
  • Lead teaming strategy: identify and vet partners, negotiate teaming agreements, and structure teams that complement DZYNE capabilities across the weapons system development and production lifecycle.
  • Generate compliant, compelling proposals including technical volumes, management approaches, cost narratives, and supporting documentation tailored to each acquisition vehicle.
  • Partner with engineering, operations, and BD teams to develop basis-of-estimate, solution architectures, manufacturing readiness assessments, and production scalability narratives.
  • Drive proposal activities: kickoff meetings, writing assignments, color team reviews, and final submission, ensuring 100% compliance with solicitation requirements, FAR/DFARS, and OTA terms.
  • Identify and mitigate capture risks including technical maturity gaps, teaming dependencies, and competitive threats across traditional ACAT and rapid acquisition pathways.
  • Maintain a disciplined opportunity pipeline, tracking pursuit status, gate decisions, and B&P resource allocation.
  • Support post-award program kickoff to ensure seamless transition to execution.
  • Contribute to BD process improvement and share lessons learned across the team.

Basic Qualifications:
  • 5-10+ years in federal business capture or proposal management, with meaningful experience in defense weapons systems or rapid fielding.
  • Solid understanding of DoD acquisition including FAR/DFARS, OTA (10 U.S.C. § 4022), Middle Tier Acquisition, prize competition authorities, and SBIR/STTR.
  • Experience across both traditional ACAT programs and rapid acquisition pathways.
  • Familiarity with ITAR and EAR as applied to defense weapons technology. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Word skills required. Exceptional attention to detail, written and verbal communication, and time management.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven wins on DoD weapons systems, precision fires, UAS, or missile programs as prime or significant subcontractor.
  • Experience with non-traditional and rapid acquisition: DIU CSOs, OTA prototype and production agreements, MTA, prize competitions, SBIR Direct to Phase II.
  • Familiarity with rapid fielding programs through Army RCCTO, Air Force RCO, SOCOM DOTC, or OUSD(R&E)-sponsored efforts.
  • Understanding of the weapons system development lifecycle: TRL advancement, DT&E/OT&E, production readiness reviews, and prototype-to-production transition.
  • Knowledge of the affordable mass munitions, loitering munitions, or ground-launched precision strike market.
  • Familiarity with missile defense, counter-UAS, or interceptor missile programs including terminal defense and kinetic effectors.
  • Existing customer relationships at PEO Missiles & Space, PEO Aviation, Army RCCTO, OUSD(R&E), SOCOM, or DIU
  • Shipley Capture Manager and/or APMP certification preferred.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and web-based proposal collaboration tools.

Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering, or related field. Equivalent experience accepted.
Clearance Level Required: None
Travel Required: Yes, up to 10%
Working Conditions:
The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
  • Must have the ability to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
  • Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Export Control / ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.
Work Authorization Requirement:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.
Salary: $150,000-$170,000 annually
Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.
Benefits:
Our benefits are DZYNE'ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401 (k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.
DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
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Pay Range: $150,000 - $170,000 per year