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Lydian is developing sustainable fuels from waste CO2, water, and renewable electricity to decarbonize aviation. The company has built a pilot reactor system capable of producing ~10,000 gallons of fuel per year and is backed by top climate investors including Congruent Ventures, Galvanize Climate Solutions, and Union Square Ventures.
As Test Engineer for Pilot Reactor Systems, you will report to the Pilot Test Lead and own day-to-day pilot test preparation, operations, and troubleshooting. You will plan and execute test campaigns on pilot-scale reactors, working closely with process, mechanical, and controls engineers to bring reactors online and operate them safely and rigorously.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing detailed experiment plans that translate testing objectives into operating conditions, measurements, test sequences, and success criteria
- Executing pilot tests: preparing, starting up, monitoring, and shutting down reactor campaigns, including shift coverage during extended runs
- Assembling and installing reactor components; running systems through the HMI; adjusting setpoints; responding to alarms and troubleshooting
- System commissioning, maintenance, and upgrades: developing deep understanding of reactor architecture and troubleshooting software, electronic, fluid handling, and mechanical issues
- Installing instrumentation, commissioning test stands, and performing routine maintenance
- Documenting and standardizing procedures; improving existing methods
- Identifying issues during runs and suggesting changes to hardware, procedures, or test plans
- Maintaining rigorous experiment records and accurate databases; processing time-series data to determine key performance metrics and trends
- Analyzing, documenting, and presenting experimental data and results to drive future experimental direction
- Following and improving SOPs, lockout/tagout, and gas-handling procedures; contributing to hazard reviews
You will work in a fast-paced environment with a motivated, collaborative team passionate about addressing climate change. The role requires hands-on lab skills, the ability to execute independently, and comfort working outside normal hours when needed.
REQUIREMENTS
Required:
- B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 2+ years of experience in a lab setting, executing tests and analyzing data
- Strong attention to detail with hands-on experience in assembly and testing of laboratory systems such as reactors, electrolyzers, or other process equipment
- Comfort with hand tools, mechanical assembly, and reading P&IDs and mechanical drawings
- Ability to apply engineering principles including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transport to analyze experimental data and solve problems
- Comfortable working independently to define and execute projects
- Clear written and verbal communication; able to turn a dataset into a short, well-organized summary
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and at times outside normal working hours; energized by challenges
Preferred:
- Familiarity with Ignition, LabView, DAQFactory, or another data acquisition platform
- Experience with reactor operation and mass and energy balances
- Experience handling compressed or flammable gases
- Basic understanding of PID control and instrumentation
- Experience with design of experiments (DOE) or statistical analysis
- CAD experience
- Experience developing and writing Standard Operating Procedures
- Prior startup experience
