Staff Research Engineer

About the role

The Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) at the University of Chicago is a groundbreaking, university-wide research effort. It focuses on the science, engineering, and policy of new technologies to reduce or reverse the harms from accumulated greenhouse gases, including stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and open-system carbon dioxide removal (CDR).

Responsibilities

• Establishes conceptual designs for stratospheric deployment aircraft using conventional technologies from the established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Evaluates new-build deployment aircraft with novel engine technologies including hybrid electrics, propeller-driven turbo shaft, reciprocating engines turbocharged by multi-stage compressors, etc.
• Conducts techno-economic analyses and evaluates cost estimates for SAI experiment scenarios.
• Designs and evaluates aerosol dispersal technology.
• Manages engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC)/aerospace firm design subcontracts.
• Supports writing white papers and/or peer-reviewed publications, synthesizing pre-existing reports and available information on carbon-neutral quicklime production, as well as other relevant topics.
• Conducts techno-economic analyses and evaluates cost estimates for end-to-end large scale OAE deployments, for example, slaked lime dispersal from calcination and associated CO2 storage to material distribution.
• Designs and evaluates processes and technologies for alkalinizing material dispersal in open-ocean settings.
• Assists in designing laboratory experiments testing engineering hypotheses.
• Manages subcontracts with EPC firms and consultants.
• Plans own resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time, to standard and to budget.
• With a moderate level of guidance, researches, designs and evaluates a variety of mechanical processes and machinery.
• Conducts engineering studies and assigns work to technical staff.
• Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Education

• Preferred qualifications include a BS in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, or related engineering field.

Experience

• Industry experience in aerospace, automotive, petrochemical, energy, or related industry.
• Extensive experience interfacing with OEM/EPC/subcontractors/suppliers.
• Background managing technical risks and uncertainties in early-stage systems design and conducting feasibility assessments across technical and cost dimensions.

Technical Skills Or Knowledge

• Proficiency in techno-economic analysis (TEA) methodology, including cost estimation, system-level trade-offs, and sensitivity analysis.
• Leading or contributing to subcontract management with engineering firms, OEMs, and aerospace contractors.
• Strong communication skills for translating between academic researchers, industry partners, and project leadership on technical matters.

Preferred Competencies

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Work closely with senior University officials.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.