Lydian overview
Lydian is a technology development company focused on producing the cheapest carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals on the planet. Our process replaces oil and gas refining with fully electrified, modular, and highly efficient reactor systems that enable the upgrading of captured CO2 into a range of carbon-neutral fuels and chemicals. Our initial focus is on the production of the cheapest and most scalable CO2-derived aviation fuel.
Lydian is backed by top climate investors including Congruent Ventures, Galvanize Climate Solutions, Union Square Ventures, Voyager Ventures, Grok Ventures, and Overlap Holdings. We are building a motivated, diverse, and collaborative team that is passionate about addressing the growing climate crisis and is committed to excellence in their work. In particular, we look for tenacious people that are energized by solving the hardest, highest impact problems that come their way.
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 dive into chemical kinetics and reactor fundamentals and design experiments to gain a deep understanding of the performance of our catalysts and high temperature materials. You will interface with R&D leadership to develop a testing strategy and communicate experimental results to the broader engineering team.
We are looking for someone who can build a project plan and execute against it, who loves working in lab to get things done rigorously, safely, and with a sense of urgency. You will help identify and address key technical risks as we scale up from lab to pilot. Over time, we hope you’ll grow into owning and managing our entire lab-scale reactor program, including development, integration, and testing of those systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead experimental test plan development and execution to investigate novel materials on our lab-scale reactors
- Design and execute test protocols for reactor cells and systems to validate designs
- 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 (software and process design)
- Troubleshoot and resolve software, electronic, fluid handling, and mechanical equipment issues on test equipment
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for key assembly processes and test platforms
- Train and mentor other engineers and co-ops
Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering or similar
- 1-3+ years of experience in a lab setting, designing experiments to answer specific scientific questions. Heterogenous catalysis experience is highly desired
- 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, reaction kinetics, and heat and mass transport, to analyze experimental data and solve problems
- Mechanical assembly experience or comfort with lab-scale mechanical systems
- 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 https://www.notion.so/lydian-labs/lydian-mission-vision-and-virtues-e012ec6f6c654b50961ed82ad9c9e122?pvs=4 mission, vision, and virtues
Company culture and benefits - Challenging, collaborative, and meaningful work and an important voice in company development
- Competitive salary and title 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, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered
- 401(k) with company match