Ekona Power is a Vancouver-based breakthrough energy technology company developing a novel methane pyrolysis platform for low-cost, clean hydrogen production. We believe this technology will have a significant and positive impact in a world trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
Along with our innovative technology, we are creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment where your ideas and input count. You will be comfortable working in a start-up environment, and have a positive, solution-oriented attitude, working out of our North Burnaby, B.C. facility. Ekona offers a flexible work schedule and benefits that include wellness for employees and their families.
We are seeking an R&D Engineer (Intermediate to Senior) to help develop Ekona's Next Generation Methane Pyrolysis Reactor Platforms. In this role, you will work closely with the Chief Technical Officer and R&D Team to develop, analyze and optimize existing and future reactor and combustion concepts to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs). This is a rare opportunity to be part of a team that will be responsible for building and validating strategic alternative concepts and increase our IP portfolio.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist in the Development of next generation Methane Pyrolysis, strategies, reactors and platforms to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Design, Develop and Test experimental rigs to explore, optimize and evaluate said reactor concepts based around thermal and/or other pyrolysis strategies to achieve key metrics including mixing uniformity, ignition reliability and high hydrogen and carbon output yields
- Using Cantera, Chemkin or the like, develop reduced order models of the reactor/combustor assembly to quantify key output parameters and conduct critical sensitivity studies based on operating conditions
- Perform detailed thermal, combustion, mass and energy balances trade studies and calculations
- Help generate key Intellectual Property for the company to increase Ekona's Patent Portfolio and technology protection
- Work with the existing team to assemble, build, commission and operate the model prototype reactor(s) and validate against concurrent CFD and analytic models
- Help shape the Technology Roadmap for Ekona's next Generation Product Offerings
- Other relevant duties, as required
Minimum Experience:
- Masters Level Mechanical Engineer Degree (or equivalent) with 7+ years relevant experience post studies in the design of thermal, reacting and fluids systems including, but not limited to:
- Thermal Pyrolysis reactors for the production of clean hydrogen and/or carbon black
- Gasifiers, Gas turbine combustion systems (land based or Aero)
- Boiler burners, process heaters, rockets engines
- Thorough understanding of Methane pyrolysis platforms including Thermal, Molten Metals/Salts, Plasma, Microwave, etc., reactor design and test
- Experienced Combustion Test engineer capable of operating high pressure, reacting combustion test articles, flammable gases (including O2 systems), data acquisition, collection and post processing
- Strong understanding of O2 system safety
- Experience with both high and low speed instrumentation (dynamic pressure and temperature sensors), flow meters, regulators, etc.
- Experience with process control system hardware and DAQ software (DCS, HMI, PLC, National Instruments), etc.
- Versed in software and programming tools as MATLAB, Python, Labview C++, or the like
- Intermediate knowledge of electronics, wiring and programming
- Experience using high-voltage ignition systems
- Thorough understanding of thermodynamics and reacting and non reacting fluid dynamic flows including, but not limited to the following:
- Premixed and Diffusion flames
- Reaction Kinetic Mechanisms
- High Speed flow including Shock waves
- Conjugate heat transfer
- Advanced Fuel-air mixing concepts and optimization
- Gas Fuel Injections
- Intermediate experience in a variety of CFD solvers including Ansys Fluent, CD Adapco, CFX, Open Foam, or equivalent
- Intermediate expertise in a variety of kinetic and equilibrium solvers as Cantera, Ansys Chemkin, Gaseq, or the like and reduced order kinetic models integration into CFD solvers
- Ability to provide accurate and detailed testing reports
- Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal; ability to present results in front of a group of piers
- Ability to lead HAZOPs, system safety and FMECA studies/review
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Mechanical aptitude, hands on, and the desire and capability to lead a team, if needed
- Product development and commercialization experience
- Ability to help in the solicitation and writing of grant proposals to obtain NDF (Non dilutive funding)
Additional Experience Desired:
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs
- Intermediate experience with CAD packages such as CATIA, Solid Works, AutoCAD, CREO or the like and associated GD&T standards
We Offer:
Purposeful work - we are developing breakthrough technology that transforms the way we produce clean hydrogen to combat climate change.
In addition, you will benefit from:
- Competitive compensation, plus bonus and equity options
- Extended health and dental plan + health and wellness spending account
- Staff social functions
- Free snacks
- Free parking
- Great team to work with
We are a fun group of mainly engineers and operations staff. We are collaborative, humble, and hard working.
- Into coffee? We have a pretentious coffee club
- Enjoy cycling? We have a club for that too
- Running? Burnaby lake park is right behind the office
- Competitive? Challenge a co-worker to a game of foosball
Be a part of our breakthrough environmental solution and apply today.
The actual base salary offered is determined based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, skills and competencies, and considers internal equity. Applicants who do not meet the full qualifications or those with lesser work experience may be considered for a lower level position.