Engine Testing & R&D Engineer

Woburn, MA, United States

Engine Testing & R&D Engineer

Location: Woburn MA (In-person)

General Overview:

Emvolon Inc. (emvolon.com) is an innovative MIT climate-tech spin-off on a mission to convert greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals like green methanol and green ammonia. Leveraging our patented technology, we transform car engines into cost-effective, modular chemical plants. This groundbreaking approach enables us to support various industries, including maritime, aviation, energy, waste management and agriculture, in powering the global economy without emissions. At Emvolon, we are proud to have attracted capital from notable VC funds and have been recognized with grants from ARPA-E, the US Department of Energy, the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation.

Role:

We are seeking an Engine Testing & R&D Engineer to support the setup, operation, and improvement of advanced experimental test systems involving reactive processes. In this role, you will contribute to designing and executing experimental campaigns, assist with commissioning and operating lab-scale test rigs, and help generate high-quality data to support technology development across a range of systems—including internal combustion engines, combustors, and other reacting flow systems.

This position is ideal for someone with hands-on experience in engine or combustion laboratory environments, who is comfortable working with complex, safety-critical systems involving high temperatures, high pressures, and reactive gases. You will work closely with the team to translate experimental objectives into practical test setups, instrument systems for reliable data acquisition, and troubleshoot real-world issues during operation. This is a highly hands-on role that blends experimental support, lab execution, and rapid iteration to advance breakthrough energy technologies.

Responsibilities:

Demonstrate solid understanding of engine fundamentals, including operating cycles and P–V diagrams.Set up, modify, and operate engine and combustion test cells, including intake, exhaust, and supporting mechanical/fluid systems.
Design and implement high-pressure gas handling systems, including regulation and distribution to downstream components.
Integrate and operate gas flow control hardware (e.g., mass flow controllers, flow meters, solenoid valves).
Perform hands-on tubing and fluid system assembly, including compression fittings (e.g., Swagelok), valves (ball, needle, check), and leak checking.
Install and work with data acquisition (DAQ) systems for reliable sensor integration and data collection.
Carry out engine modifications, sensor installation, and instrumentation.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, flow, and test system issues, and implement practical solutions.
Contribute to experimental planning, execution, and data analysis.
Guide interns/co-ops in lab work, including safe operation and system setup.
Support lab operations, including equipment setup, maintenance, and safe handling of high-pressure and reactive gas systems.

Experience and Qualifications:

Master’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Hands-on experience setting up and operating engine or combustion test cells is required, including intake, exhaust, and supporting systems. Strong hands-on experience with experimental hardware and lab-scale systems, including build, modification, and operation.
Experience with high-pressure gas handling and flow control, including regulators, flow controllers, valves, and integration with test systems.
Experience working with data acquisition and/or control systems such as LabVIEW, PLCs, engine control units, etc.
Solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer, with practical application to reacting systems.
Hands-on experience with mechanical systems and fluid hardware, including tubing, fittings, and troubleshooting.
Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design is preferred.
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot experimental systems, including mechanical, flow, and instrumentation issues.

Preferred Attributes:

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent hands-on industry/startup experience.
Experience working with experimental mechanical systems, ideally in a lab or test cell environment.
Hands-on experience with engines, combustion systems, or rotating equipment.
Practical fabrication skills (e.g., machining, welding, tubing assembly, Swagelok/compression fittings).
Background in combustion, catalysis, thermochemistry, or other high-temperature reacting systems.
Familiarity with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition is a plus.
Comfortable working in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments (e.g., startups or pilot-scale labs).

Emvolon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by the law.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.