Principal Pilot Development Engineer

As a Principal Pilot Development Engineer, your main responsibilities will include leading the development of innovative pilot systems for CO2 removal technology, overseeing design and optimization processes, and coordinating with cross-functional engineering teams. You'll guide the team through complex challenges such as heat and mass transfer, ensuring the successful deployment of pilot-scale projects. Your expertise in mechanical or chemical engineering will be key to creating efficient, safe, and reliable technology demonstrations.

To qualify for the Principal Pilot Development Engineer role, you'll need a background in chemical or mechanical engineering, along with over 10 years of hands-on experience in process and chemical technology system development. It's essential to have a strong understanding of heat transfer processes, gas separation technologies, and experience in leading pilot-scale projects. Strong leadership skills and the ability to enhance team collaboration in a fast-paced start-up environment are also critical.

The Principal Pilot Development Engineer plays a crucial role in advancing environmental sustainability by leading the development of innovative CO2 removal systems for data centers. This role focuses on creating efficient integration solutions that reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy practices. By pioneering pilot technology demonstrations, you will drive practical applications that can ultimately contribute to a greener future.

In the Principal Pilot Development Engineer position, you will work on cutting-edge projects revolving around the integration of CO2 removal technologies within data center environments. This includes the design and optimization of core components, addressing complex engineering challenges, and collaborating with a diverse team to ensure pilots are successful, safe, and efficient. Your projects will be at the forefront of innovation in technology and environmental solutions.

The Principal Pilot Development Engineer role offers a competitive salary that matches your experience, along with excellent health, dental, and vision insurance. You'll appreciate generous paid time off and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Additionally, we provide annual all-company offsites and employee stock options, making it not only a rewarding career choice but also a chance to invest in your future with a cutting-edge organization.

In your response, provide specific examples of pilot-scale projects you've led or contributed to. Highlight challenges faced, your leadership role, and any innovative solutions you implemented that resulted in project success. This demonstrates both your technical strength and your ability to manage complex projects.

Discuss your approach to identifying specific areas where heat transfer can be enhanced, including the use of simulation tools or analytical methods. Share any relevant experiences where your strategies led to significant improvements in system efficiency, citing particular technologies or methodologies you utilized.

Outline your communication strategies and techniques for building strong relationships within diverse teams. Provide examples of how you’ve encouraged knowledge sharing, addressed conflicts, and fostered a culture of collaboration to achieve project goals.

Share your insights on the latest advancements in CO2 removal technologies, including emerging solutions and approaches related to data centers. Discuss your views on innovations that interest you, and how these trends can influence future pilot projects or products.

Provide a detailed account of a specific challenge, what steps you took to diagnose the issue, and how you brought the project back on track. Highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and any technical expertise that contributed to resolving the challenge.

Discuss the ways you engage with the engineering community, such as attending conferences, participating in workshops, or consuming relevant literature and research. Highlight specific resources or networks that keep you informed about industry developments.

Share specific projects or experiences where you've developed or utilized gas separation technologies. Discuss the challenges faced and how you adapted your approach based on the complexity of each project, showcasing your expertise in this area.

Describe your leadership philosophy, focusing on how you motivate team members and foster a positive work environment. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully led teams through demanding projects and developed individuals' skills.

Detail your systematic approach to component design, from initial concept through testing. Emphasize the importance of aligning components with overall system goals, analyzing potential design constraints, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure the component’s effectiveness.

Share a specific instance where you worked with materials and process engineering teams, highlighting the project, your role, the collaborative methods used, and the outcomes. Focus on how this collaboration contributed to overcoming engineering challenges or achieving project milestones.