Test Engineer - Biochar Pilot

We’re looking for a hands-on Test Engineer to help operate, test, and improve a small-scale biochar pilot system in Portsmouth, VA. This is a field-based role at the intersection of waste processing, thermal conversion, and climate technology.

Our mission is to turn difficult waste streams into valuable products while helping build durable carbon removal solutions. This role is a great fit for someone who wants to work on real hardware, real waste streams, and real climate impact — not just theory. You’ll play a key part in generating the data, operational insight, and test discipline needed to scale a promising carbon removal pathway.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience in the waste, biomass, organics, high temperature processing or engineered fuels industries who are excited by the opportunity to apply that experience to a climate-focused startup environment.

Pilot Operations & Test Execution

• Execute test plans on a biochar system involving high-temperature thermal processes such as pyrolysis and combustion
• Operate equipment processing municipal solid waste (MSW), organics, biomass, and engineered fuels
• Handle, prepare, and feed variable waste streams safely and consistently
• Perform system startups, shutdowns, inspections, and routine operating adjustments
• Ensure tests are run consistently, safely, and in accordance with defined procedures

Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, log, and validate operational and test data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Track feedstock characteristics such as moisture, contamination, and composition variability, and relate those factors to system performance
• Use Excel and other straightforward tools to organize, summarize, and interpret test data
• Document results clearly and support development of repeatable test methods and operating procedures
• Help identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities to improve performance and data quality

Scientific & Analytical Support

• Support sample collection and characterization for biochar, feedstocks, and process outputs
• Work with laboratory and analytical equipment used to evaluate material and process performance
• Assist with validation of test methods and measurement quality across pilot and lab workflows
• Contribute to data packages used to support technical development, reporting, and scale-up decisions

Continuous Improvement

• Help identify process issues and support practical solutions during pilot operation
• Improve test procedures, operating consistency, and data quality over time
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams in a fast-moving pilot environment where systems and procedures are still evolving

Required

• 2–5 years of experience in an industrial, pilot, field, laboratory, or manufacturing environment
• Experience in waste processing, organics handling, biomass, incineration, engineered fuels, or similar industrial sectors
• Familiarity with high-temperature thermal systems or industrial process equipment
• Strong attention to detail in data collection, documentation, and test execution
• Experience using Excel for data tracking, organization, and basic analysis
• Comfortable working in physically demanding industrial environments around waste streams and thermal equipment
• Strong safety-first mindset and respect for hazardous equipment, variable feedstocks, and industrial operating conditions

• Experience handling MSW, organics, biomass, RDF, SRF, or other heterogeneous feedstocks
• Background in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental science, or a related technical field
• Experience with lab-grade testing and analytical equipment, including:
• Elemental analysis
• TGA
• Ultimate and proximate analysis
• Moisture and ash testing
• Other scientific instrumentation used for material characterization
• Experience with MRV for CDR or familiarity with measurement, reporting, and verification approaches for carbon removal systems
• Familiarity with DAQ systems, sensors, wiring, or instrumentation
• Experience with pneumatic systems or propane/gas plumbing
• Experience validating system performance, including debugging or identifying issues in computer vision systems

• You’re excited by the chance to work on a climate technology with real-world deployment potential
• You’re comfortable working with waste-derived and organic feedstocks and understand the challenges of variable materials
• You’re methodical, organized, and care about generating clean, defensible data
• You like being close to the process and can move between field work, test execution, and technical documentation
• You take safety seriously and bring a practical, hands-on attitude to industrial work
• You’re energized by startup environments where priorities evolve and the team is building as it goes

• Work on technology that connects waste management, carbon removal, and industrial decarbonization
• Help convert real-world waste streams into useful products and measurable climate impact
• Join a startup environment where your work will directly shape the pilot, the data, and the path to scale
• Build experience across operations, testing, materials characterization, and climate-tech deployment

AMP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants who identify with a historically underrepresented group are encouraged to apply. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Other duties: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Equity Grant: The candidate selected for this role will be recommended for a stock option grant commensurate with the position and the candidate’s qualifications.

Benefits Information:

• Medical - The company covers between 77% to 100% of the premium for Cigna medical healthcare plans depending on the selection.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance: The company covers the cost of Basic Life / AD&D 1 x Salary, option to purchase additional through New York Life
• Benefits start the day you start
• HSA Eligible Health Plans, Company Monthly Contributions!
• 401(k) retirement plan (non-matching)
• FTO - Flexible Time Off
• 6 Accrued Sick Days
• Eight (8) paid holidays

We'll consider applications on an ongoing basis.