Systems Engineer, Biochar

New Albany, IN

Are you mechanically sharp, analytically minded, and restless until a system runs exactly the way it should? Do you thrive on diagnosing problems, mastering complex equipment, and taking ownership of processes that must work with absolute reliability? This role offers a rare chance to put those skills to work on one of the most important climate technologies of our time.

Robinson Lumber Company (RLC), now in its fifth generation of family ownership, is launching a groundbreaking biochar initiative that converts waste wood into carbon credits for the voluntary market. As we commission a new pyrolysis reactor at our Indiana yard, the company is at a pivotal stage where engineering precision directly determines operational success, production yield, and long-term carbon credit value. The work done in this role will influence facility uptime, reactor performance, quality of char produced, and the credibility of RLC’s carbon removal program.

Biochar is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most scalable forms of long-duration carbon dioxide removal (CDR). By joining this effort, you will not only help ensure safe and efficient operation of cutting-edge thermochemical systems, you will contribute directly to a climate solution that matters on a global scale.

Joining RLC means joining an old company doing new things. Since 1893, Robinson has grown as a leader in global wood products by combining tradition with innovation. As a values-driven organization, we are committed to excellence, independence, and the responsible use of natural resources. These values align directly with the qualities sought for this role: technical rigor, hands-on capability, and the confidence to own critical engineering work.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead the drafting of high-quality financial models, RFPs, presentations, and related project design documents  
  • Research and interpret requirements from registries such as Puro.Earth & Isometric 
  • Work with subject matter experts to translate technical project details into clear business terms 
  • Collaborate with a small project team to gather and validate inputs, while independently driving document development 
  • Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance across technical submissions 
  • Adapt and refine existing frameworks, templates, and resources to accelerate document preparation 

Desired Profile – A Technical Expert 

  • Personality: Proactive, skeptical, and driven to be accurate. Restless when learning something new and committed to getting it right 
  • Communication Style: Direct, factual, and detailed. Written communication is clear 
  • Work Style: Independent, orderly, and systematic. Comfortable working solo on complex documentation with minimal supervision 
  • Motivators: Recognition for subject-matter expertise, opportunities to deepen technical knowledge, and the satisfaction of producing flawless, high-impact work 

Qualifications 

  • Strong Excel skills and demonstrated ability to generate professional documents
  • Research and analytical skills, with the ability to transform complex inputs into structured documentation 
  • Self-directed and reliable, capable of advancing critical deliverables in a fast-moving environment 
  • Familiarity with carbon markets, sustainability projects, or biochar a plus 
  • Candidates based in or near New Orleans are preferred

What the Company Offers 

  • The chance to shape a pioneering carbon removal project
  • A role with long-term importance, supporting the growth of multiple biochar facilities across the country 
  • Exposure to the forefront of climate innovation 
  • A values-driven environment grounded in excellence, independence, and integrity 
  • Generous benefits, competitive compensation, and recognition for success