R&D Engineer

Company overview

Lydian is developing the lowest cost sustainable fuels from waste CO2, water, and renewable electricity to decarbonize the aviation industry. Our breakthrough technology replaces oil and gas refining with fully electrified, modular, and flexible reactor systems that produce fuel with 95% lower emissions than traditional jet fuel.

Since our founding in 2021, Lydian has achieved key milestones in record time, including the production of our first liquid fuel from our pilot system. Lydian is backed by the world's top energy transition investors including Congruent Ventures, Galvanize Climate Solutions, Union Square Ventures, Voyager Ventures, Grok Ventures, and more. We have also earned support from the US Department of Energy, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and have been recognized by Forbes 30u30 and by Silicon Valley Bank's 50 by 2050 List which recognizes the top fifty energy transition companies based on potential impact and scale.

Position overview

Lydian is looking for an R&D Engineer to guide and execute the experimental strategy for our lab-scale reactor systems. You will take charge of day-to-day operations of one of our lab-scale test programs and be responsible for analyzing data and presenting results to the broader team. As a front-line test engineer, you will identify critical needs for improvements or upgrades and collaborate with teammates on design/procurement/implementation.

We are looking for someone who can build a test plan, execute it, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. We need someone with a keen eye for seeing what matters most, as well as the confidence and skill to execute their ideas. Our ideal candidate loves working in the lab to get things done rigorously, safely, and with a sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental test plan development and execution to investigate novel materials using our lab-scale reactors

• Analyze, document, and present experimental data and results. Use past results to drive future experimental direction, and communicate plans to the team

• Develop a deep understanding of our reactor architecture, sub-component design, and testing platforms

• Troubleshoot and resolve software, electronic, fluid handling, and mechanical issues on test equipment

• Collaborate with teammates to redesign reactors, components, and infrastructure to expand our testing capabilities

• Work with technicians and teammates to ensure rapid turnaround and high uptime on test systems

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key assembly processes and test platforms

• Train and mentor other engineers and co-ops

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar

• 3-5+ years of experience in a lab setting, executing tests and analyzing data

• Strong attention to detail, with prior hands-on experience in assembly and testing of laboratory systems such as reactors, electrolyzers, or other process equipment

• 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

• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, is energized by challenges, and relishes in getting the job done

• Prior startup experience is a plus

• Alignment with our mission, vision, and virtues

Company culture and benefits

• Challenging, collaborative, and meaningful work and an important voice in company development

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Meaningful equity compensation

• Flexible PTO and expectation that all employees take significant time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside work

• Excellent health insurance with 100% of healthcare, vision, and dental premiums covered

• 401(k) with company match