How to apply for Process Engineer – Direct Air Capture

About Yggdrasil Trees

Yggdrasil Trees is a direct air capture (DAC) company focused on capturing carbon while benefiting local communities, particularly in urban environments. Unlike many DAC startups, they emphasize integration with cities and community co-benefits, making them a unique player in the carbon removal space. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values both technological innovation and social impact.

About the role

As a Process Engineer – Direct Air Capture, you will develop digital twin models and simulations in Python to optimize DAC system design, lead techno-economic assessments (TEA) and life cycle assessments (LCA), and drive sorbent selection. Your work will directly influence the scalability and feasibility of Yggdrasil Trees' core technology, bridging engineering, economics, and environmental impact. This role is pivotal in advancing their DAC solution from prototype to deployment in urban settings.

A typical day

A typical day might involve running Python simulations to refine a digital twin of the DAC system, analyzing results to optimize sorbent performance. You could also collaborate with cross-functional teams to update the TEA model, or review LCA data to assess environmental impact. Occasionally, you might engage with external partners to discuss sorbent supply or technology integration, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Who Yggdrasil Trees is looking for

• Hands-on experience building and testing physical DAC prototypes, coupled with strong Python skills for developing digital twin models and simulations.
• Proven track record of conducting TEA and LCA for carbon capture projects, ideally with a focus on scalability and urban integration.
• Deep knowledge of sorbent materials and structure design for CO₂ capture, including advanced materials and selection criteria.
• Familiarity with DAC industry trends, competitor approaches, and the ability to translate technical insights into strategic partnership decisions.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific DAC projects where you developed digital twins or simulations in Python, and quantify the impact on system performance or cost.
• Showcase any TEA/LCA work you've done for carbon capture, emphasizing how it informed feasibility or scalability decisions.
• Demonstrate your understanding of urban integration challenges by mentioning relevant experience or coursework in life cycle assessment or community impact.
• Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as 'sorbent selection', 'techno-economic assessment', 'digital twin', and 'Python'.
• In your application, express genuine interest in Yggdrasil Trees' community-focused mission and explain how your work can contribute to both carbon capture and local benefits.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your hands-on experience with DAC systems, including both physical prototypes and digital simulations, and how it aligns with Yggdrasil Trees' need for optimizing system design.", "Specific examples of TEA and LCA you've conducted, particularly any that evaluated scalability or urban deployment, and how they drove decision-making.", "Your expertise in sorbent materials and how you've used it to inform technology roadmaps or partnership strategies.", 'Your motivation to work at Yggdrasil Trees specifically, referencing their unique community-benefit approach and how you can contribute to their mission.']

Research before applying

• Explore Yggdrasil Trees' website and any press releases to understand their specific DAC technology and community benefit model.
• Read up on recent DAC industry reports (e.g., from IEA, Climeworks, or Carbon180) to grasp trends and competitor approaches.
• Investigate the challenges of deploying DAC in urban environments, including air quality, space constraints, and community engagement.
• Familiarize yourself with common TEA and LCA methodologies for carbon capture, such as those from NETL or ISO 14040/44, to speak the language.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a DAC digital twin you developed in Python: what were the key parameters, how did you validate it, and what insights did it provide?
• Describe a TEA you led for a carbon capture project. What were the main cost drivers, and how did you handle uncertainties?
• How do you approach sorbent selection for DAC systems? What criteria do you prioritize and why?
• What do you know about the current DAC landscape and competitors? How would you position Yggdrasil Trees' technology?
• How would you integrate LCA considerations into the early design stages of a DAC system intended for urban environments?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention DAC, TEA, LCA, or Python—key requirements for this role.
• Focusing only on academic research without demonstrating hands-on experience with physical prototypes or simulations.
• Ignoring the community aspect of Yggdrasil Trees' mission; they value local benefits, so overlooking this in your application could be a poor fit.