Sr. Systems Engineer - Modeling & Data

280 Earth is scaling Carbon Removal technology to meet the climate crisis head on. Incubated at Google X, 280 Earth develops Direct Air Capture (DAC) system that pulls CO2 permanently out of ambient air.

We’re seeking a highly motivated and experienced Systems Engineer – Modeling & Data, to join the 280 Earth team. You will play a critical role in designing, optimizing, and scaling up our novel process with real-world impact.

This role is based in Palo Alto, CA.

Systems Engineer – Modeling & Data (Python + Physical Systems)

What You’ll Do

1. Build Our System Simulation (Digital Model)

• Develop a Python-based dynamic model of our physical process using first-principles equations.
• Implement ODE/PDE-based system behavior, thermodynamics, heat/mass transfer, flow, energy balances, and other relevant physics.
• Run trade studies, scenario analyses, and sensitivity studies to support engineering and strategic decisions.
• Validate models against real plant data and refine them continually.

2. Interpret Pilot Plant Engineering Data

• Analyze operational sensor data, time-series logs, and instrumentation outputs from the pilot plant.
• Identify patterns, anomalies, and correlations that reveal underlying physical behavior.
• Translate raw data into engineering insights that improve performance, reliability, and throughput.

3. Partner Cross-Functionally

• Work closely with mechanical, chemical, and controls engineers to understand system behavior.
• Communicate modeling results clearly to engineering leadership and operators.
• Bring systems thinking into design reviews, operational discussions, and scaling decisions.

Who You Are

You are a hands-on engineer who loves the intersection of modeling, data, and physical systems. You enjoy going deep into the physics, building simulations in Python, and validating your assumptions against the messy reality of a pilot plant.

Required Education

• Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.

Required Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, heat/mass transfer, and fluid systems.
• Proven experience developing first-principles or hybrid physics-based models.
• Strong Python scientific computing skills.
• Experience interpreting real-world experimental or operational engineering data.
• Strong scientific communication and clear engineering intuition.

Preferred Experience

• Digital twins, dynamic system simulation, or model-based controls.
• Parameter estimation, uncertainty quantification, or optimization.
• Experience with pilot plants, industrial systems, robotics, energy systems, or chemical processes.
• Experience structuring scientific code for production use (testing, version control, reproducibility).

What Success Looks Like

In the first 3–6 months, you will have:

• Developed a working simulation of core system components.
• Identified key physical drivers of performance using pilot plant data.
• Delivered analyses that directly shape hardware or operational decisions.
• Built tools that give engineers new visibility into the system.

** No outside agencies. Bay Area Candidates only.

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package, including RSUs. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a team that has the potential to revolutionize the climate industry. If you have a passion and a keen interest in sustainable energy solutions, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

280 Earth is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. 280 Earth will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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