At AIR COMPANY we are paving a pathway to global decarbonization by transforming CO₂ into endless resources via industrial scale applications. Working with nature, rather than against it, our proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology mimics photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and water via renewable energy into carbon-negative chemicals and fuels.

We have commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and have been awarded multiple government contracts from NASA and the United States Department of Defense. AIR COMPANY has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Fast Company World Changing Ideas and the XPRIZE for Carbon Removal.

We are proudly headquartered in New York City and co-founded by Gregory Constantine (CEO) and Dr. Stafford Sheehan (CTO). Our team spans a diverse group of world-leading experts in chemistry, engineering and technological development and deployment. AIR COMPANY is backed by capital partners aligned with the company’s mission to boldly transform industry including the US Department of Defense, NASA, Toyota Ventures, JetBlue Ventures and Carbon Direct.

The Position

We are looking for a Director, R&D to join our team. This role will report to our CTO, and be responsible for driving success throughout AIR COMPANY’s R&D program, and will be expected to represent AIR COMPANY in various external facing activities. This position will manage a team of researchers, engineers, and scientists to develop R&D goals and strategies, oversee management of technology development programs, and lead scale-up R&D, closely communicating and collaborating with various teams in the company to define and develop strategies for maintaining a technical competitive advantage.

What you get to do

• Lead Air Company’s technology scale-up activities to transform laboratory-scale technologies into commercial applications.
• Develop and oversee the R&D department’s operational deliverables for both existing product enhancements as well as new product development in-line with overarching business objectives.
• Manage multiple teams from the functions of pilot plant testing, reaction engineering, to process development and design. Provide scale up design models and tools for new technologies developed at Air Company
• Work closely with CTO and other Directors of R&D to deliver technical and chemical innovations to support Air Company’s mission of being the world’s leading carbon technology organization.
• Ensure quality and consistency in R&D project outcomes and deliverables.
• Develop and oversee strategic partnerships with key external partners to support R&D development and scale-up..
• Work collaboratively with senior leadership throughout the business, engineering, R&D, and lead the development of an overarching technology roadmap for AIR COMPANY.
• Mange and direct R&D strategy and communicate with business units to understand technical development requirements and facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
• Partner closely with product management and engineering to identify and execute on an agile R&D agenda.
• Manage rapid design, prototyping, and testing cycles to rapidly evaluate technology concepts, for catalyst and process development.
• Coordinate with leadership to align with the company’s long term goals and establish project objectives, milestones, and success criteria.
• Develop strategies to quantify competitive positioning and highlight advantages of AIR COMPANY’s technology in the market, including life cycle analysis (LCA) and support of techno economic analysis (TEA).
• Oversee analysis of existing technical solutions in the market and in literature to drive continuous innovation and improvement of AIR COMPANY’s technology.
• Collaborate with engineering and commercial teams to manage the technology development projects through the stage gate system.
• Translate understanding of technology, economics, and emerging markets into strategic recommendations for R&D department.
• Hire, develop, and lead a world-class team of engineers and scientists to achieve these outcomes.

What you bring to AIR COMPANY

• BS degree in chemical engineering, Advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of industrial working experience in chemical, petrochemical, refining, and energy industries, or an EPC company
• 10+ professional experience in a leading R&D organization that have scaled up and commercialized multiple process technologies
• 5+ years of leadership experience with managing 10+ scientists and engineers in R&D environment, a R&D senior manager or above with your current job
• Technical expertise and experienced people manager capable of owning all functions and aspects of the execution
• Demonstrated track record of leading innovative cross-functional teams to deliver results against tight timelines and budgets, often requiring or involving significant invention
• Proven track in leading complex chemical/energy/fuel process technology scale up and commercialization
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with constant change
• Team player, extremely organized, attention to detail, and strong ability to multitask across various workflows
• Solution oriented, passion for developing and implementing solutions

Salary Range: $200,000-$230,000

The approximate annual base compensation range and benefits listed above may vary based on the applicant's experience, skills, abilities, and relevant industry expertise.

At Air Company we value employees for their unique perspectives. We are an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AIR COMPANY we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Working at AIR COMPANY

In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, we are:

• A people-first, climate solutions company driven to move society to a more sustainable future
• A unified team of climate optimists with an exceptional and diverse range of backgrounds
• Committed to fostering collaboration with a team that believes in the power of science and that business can be used as a force for good

We also provide:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance. 100% coverage of employee insurance premiums, and 50% coverage of spouse & dependent insurance premiums.
• Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays and sick leave
• A tax deferred 401(k) Plan to invest in your future
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-Tax Income for MassTransit
• Paid Family Leave
• Employee Wellness Program
• Sponsored company events and DEI social initiatives
• Friday catered meals