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CHIEF ENGINEER

CHIEF ENGINEER

AirswiftHouston, TX, United States
14 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

CHIEF ENGINEER | HOUSTON, TX | PRODUCT & DEVELOPMENT | FULL TIME

This role is perfect for someone who has designed high temperature reactors and has an interest in innovative technologies.

About The Company

My client is a technology startup on a mission to decarbonize heavy duty transportation and off-the-grid industrial power generation using ammonia as a renewable fuel. Their technical team comprises 70 engineers and scientists with backgrounds in mechanical, chemical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineering. Over the last three years, we completed a series of successful technology scale-up demonstrations and are now designing a commercial-grade version of our technology for deployment into pilot projects in 2026-2027.

What You Will Be Doing

As their Chief Engineer, you will report directly to the CTO and lead the development of a zero-emission NH3-to-power generation system. You will oversee key technical decisions on our major projects, mentor rising technical leaders, and build a collaborative and innovative engineering culture. This role offers an exceptionally high degree of autonomy, and it is expected you will spend much of your time deeply focused on our most complex technical problems and working hands-on with the engineering team to invent solutions. Through this role, you will shape how our engineering team approaches complex technical challenges, drive collaboration across disciplines, and establish best practices that improve decision-making and execution throughout the technology development process.

Key Responsibilities

  • Be the top subject matter expert on their technology, with a primary focus on high-temperature catalytic reactor design.
  • Provide technical leadership by reviewing and approving critical engineering decisions, serving as the lead technical stakeholder in our major technology development projects.
  • Guide the evaluation, selection, and development of novel reactor designs, materials, and system configurations to optimize performance, reliability, and scalability.
  • Translate understandings of technology fundamentals, economics, and market trends into strategic recommendations for their product development roadmaps.
  • Foster a strong engineering culture by promoting collaboration, rigorous problem-solving, and adherence to sound engineering principles and industry best practices.
  • Work hands-on with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to address technical challenges and drive innovation.
  • Mentor engineers at all levels, providing technical guidance and helping to develop the next generation of leaders within the company.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment across teams and leadership.

Education and Qualifications

  • PhD in chemical engineering or relevant engineering field (e.g., mechanical, aerospace) with specialization in catalytic reactors
  • 20+ years of industry experience in technology development and engineering
  • Expertise in kinetics, combustion, heat transfer, and high-temperature catalytic reactors
  • Demonstrated track record of leading large technical projects to successful completion
  • High initiative and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a strong, entrepreneurial drive

    • Preferred Experience

  • Experience as a functional supervisor to engineers and scientists
  • Experience with designing hardware for industrial or mobility applications
  • Working knowledge of power electronics, process instrumentation, control theory, PLC software development, high-temperature metallurgy, functional safety, and product certification.

    • Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary and equity incentives
  • Benefits include flexible vacation, 401k matching, health coverage (medical / dental / vision), parental leave, HSA / FSA account, and more

    • They believe in fostering an inclusive environment in which employees feel encouraged to share their unique perspectives, leverage their strengths, and act authentically. We welcome those from all backgrounds and varying experiences.