Newlight
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Alameda, California · On-site · Full-time

Combustion Engineer

Own combustion physics and calibration for Newlight’s hydrogen-diesel retrofit, from test strategy to vessel-ready engine maps.

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What you’ll do

  • Develop the dual-fuel combustion strategy across hydrogen substitution, diesel pilot timing, lambda and EGR control, rail pressure, and split injection.
  • Plan and execute design-of-experiments work on dynamometers and vessels, including emissions and cylinder-pressure instrumentation.
  • Analyze heat release, CA50, knock, ringing intensity, IMEP, fuel consumption, NOx, particulate matter, misfire, and cycle variability.
  • Convert test results into usable calibrations, operating limits, release criteria, and real-time ECU protections.
  • Co-develop sensors, actuators, and state machines with Controls, then support simulation, HIL validation, FAT, HAT, SAT, and commissioning.

Must-have skills

  • Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with a combustion or internal-combustion focus, or equivalent experience alongside a bachelor’s degree.
  • Hands-on engine testing and calibration experience, including cylinder-pressure analysis and emissions measurement.
  • Strong command of ignition delay, mixing, knock, emissions formation, aftertreatment interactions, and other combustion fundamentals.
  • Ability to turn analysis into runnable maps and limits on real-time ECUs.
  • Clear technical documentation and disciplined, data-led problem solving.

Preferred experience

  • Marine or heavy-duty engines and hydrogen or alternative-fuel dual-fuel systems.
  • Model-based development and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
  • Functional-safety concepts and familiarity with ABS, DNV, IGF, or USCG requirements.

Tools

  • MATLAB and Python for analysis and post-processing.
  • INCA or ATI for ECU calibration and map development.
  • CAN, UDS, and XCP workflows for logging and diagnostics.
  • GT-SUITE, CONVERGE, or STAR-CCM+ for combustion modeling, plus basic CAD for test-hardware interfaces.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary and equity package.
  • Ownership of combustion strategy and calibration for Newlight’s hydrogen-diesel technology.
  • Hands-on testing in dynamometer facilities and aboard vessel deployments.
  • The opportunity to work on dual-fuel systems that directly reduce fuel consumption and shipping emissions.