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Gasification Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arbor Energy

R&D Technician

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Support assembly / disassembly of turbomachinery, combustion devices, gasification systems, fluid panels, etc. * As needed, work with leadership on any shipping logistics to/from test sites/venders ...

Arbor Energy

R&D Technician

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Support assembly / disassembly of turbomachinery, combustion devices, gasification systems, fluid panels, etc. * As needed, work with leadership on any shipping logistics to/from test sites/venders ...

Arbor Energy

R&D Technician

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Support assembly / disassembly of turbomachinery, combustion devices, gasification systems, fluid panels, etc. * As needed, work with leadership on any shipping logistics to/from test sites/venders ...

All JobsGasification JobsGasification Jobs in California

Gasification information

See California salary details

$37K

$99.6K

$137.2K

How much do gasification jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for gasification in California is $99,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gasification job?

A Gasification job involves working with processes that convert carbon-based materials, such as coal or biomass, into synthetic gas (syngas) through a chemical reaction with oxygen, steam, or air. Professionals in this field operate gasification equipment, monitor system performance, and ensure safety standards are met. Roles may include engineers, technicians, and plant operators who troubleshoot systems, optimize efficiency, and oversee emissions control.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in gasification?

To thrive in a Gasification role, you should possess a background in chemical or mechanical engineering, strong process optimization skills, and a solid understanding of thermochemical conversion technologies. Familiarity with process modeling software, plant control systems (such as DCS/SCADA), and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help professionals excel in this position. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant gasification plant operations.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in gasification?

Professionals in gasification roles are usually responsible for monitoring and optimizing plant operations, ensuring equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, and performing troubleshooting on process issues. Daily tasks may include analyzing data from control systems, coordinating with maintenance teams, and implementing safety procedures. You’ll often work closely with engineers, plant operators, and environmental specialists to meet production and compliance targets. Depending on the organization, you might also participate in process improvement projects or support the commissioning of new technologies, allowing for continuous learning and advancement in your career.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gasification jobs in California?

The most popular types of Gasification jobs in California are:

Gasification jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gasification job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,606 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Sr. Test Engineer (Gasification R&D)

Arbor Energy

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

We're seeking a Sr. Test Engineer to envision, build, and operate the test campaigns that drive Arbor's high-pressure gasification R&D program forward. The program runs at conditions never before attempted at any scale-a first-of-a-kind, fouling-, plugging-, and erosion-prone service that demands test hardware and instrumentation engineered to survive it. You'll lead the design, build, instrumentation, and operation of the test stand, working closely with gasifier reactor engineers and Arbor's Systems Engineering team to turn ambitious campaign objectives into safely executed tests and trustworthy data. This role rewards an engineer who moves fast with loose guidance and tenaciously drives open questions to resolution; as Arbor's R&D priorities evolve, you'll bring the same test-engineering rigor to programs across the company. It's hands-on, high-stakes work at the frontier of carbon-negative baseload power.

This is an onsite opportunity in our San Bernardino, CA test site. 

Responsibilities
  • Lead test-stand development from concept to ready-to-run-design, procure, build, instrument, and commission the fluid, mechanical, and control hardware needed to test high-pressure, high-temperature gasification systems.
  • Design instrumentation, sampling, and flow-control hardware that survives particulate-laden, erosive, fouling service-purged pressure taps, protected thermocouples, syngas sample lines, and hot control valves that stay alive and trustworthy through a full campaign.
  • Automate test operations and implement safe, repeatable abort and interlock logic for high-energy test sequences.
  • Direct test execution-campaign planning, startup and shutdown sequencing, on-site operation, and real-time decision-making.
  • Partner with gasifier reactor engineers and Arbor's Systems Engineering team to translate campaign objectives into executable test plans, P&IDs, and operating procedures.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, instrumentation, and control issues to root cause; drive corrective actions through to verified resolution and feed lessons into the next test.
  • Develop and maintain test-site procedures and operating practices, ensure compliance with safety standards, and participate in process hazard analyses (PHA/HAZOP) as the program evolves.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or related Engineering field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on test-engineering experience-system testing, validation, or commissioning-with meaningful time spent building and operating test stands.
  • Direct experience with high-pressure gas systems and high-temperature systems, including the hardware, instrumentation, and safety practices they demand.
  • Strong instrumentation, sensor integration, and data acquisition skills-a track record of getting reliable measurements out of difficult service and turning test data into clear findings.
  • Highly self-directed-able to take a broad goal, operate with minimal oversight, and drive the details to resolution without waiting to be steered.
  • Strong ownership mentality and a curious, inventive mindset suited to a small, fast-paced startup environment.
  • Willingness and ability to work on-site at Arbor's test facility in San Bernardino, CA.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with gasification, slag-forming or oxy-fuel combustion, refractory-lined reactors, FCC, coker, ash- or solids-handling, or other dirty, high-temperature, fouling-prone systems.
  • Hands-on operating experience in a pilot plant, test stand, national lab pilot program, or aerospace test cell environment.
  • Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar for data reduction; experience with PLCs, control systems, and industrial sensors.
  • Experience with supercritical CO or other high-pressure (100+ bar) systems.
  • Familiarity with relevant industry standards (ASME, API) and test-site safety practice.
  • Background in startup, R&D, or first-of-a-kind hardware development environments.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Pre-IPO stock options
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
  • Basic life insurance fully covered
  • Health savings account (HSA) with matching
  • Flexible savings account (FSA)
  • Unlimited PTO 
  • 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day! 
  • 401(k)
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • And more!

Base Pay: $150,000 - $175,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

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