Research and Development Engineer, CapCO₂ Solutions Inc.
Srihari “Hari” Balaji is a Research and Development Engineer at CapCO₂ Solutions Inc., an energy start-up focused on converting captured carbon dioxide into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable chemicals. In this capacity, he spearheads the development of multimillion-dollar grant proposals and cultivates partnerships with investors to accelerate the development of carbon utilization technologies. Recognized by NASA, Sigma Xi, Aviation Week Network’s 20 Twenties Class of 2025, and The Hong Kong Laureate Forum, Hari represents a new generation of engineers who translate their systems-level expertise into tangible impact.
That trajectory was forged through sustained, hands-on research in demanding environments. From 2021 to 2023, Hari served as Lead Researcher for a 10-member collegiate team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, where he spearheaded the development of the Plasma Rapid Oxidation Technique for Extending Component Tenability. This innovative chemical coating technology increased the corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V (titanium) alloys used in rocket thrusters by 92%. His work integrated materials science, heat-transfer modeling, mechanical design, failure analysis, and grant development that secured more than $70,000 in project funding. Hari’s leadership also extended to coordinating closely with NASA Marshall’s Chief Technologist to develop risk mitigation strategies, ensuring the project met the highest standards of integrity and precision. Overall, Hari’s contributions led to the project being recognized as a breakthrough technology in NASA’s 2022 Research & Technology Report.
Hari expanded this systems-level perspective through NASA’s Mission Concept Academy, where he served as Lead Systems Engineer for a Martian robotic lander concept. He led propulsion modeling, thermal-structural validation, and Model-Based Systems Engineering optimization, demonstrating an ability to integrate subsystem performance into coherent mission architecture rather than treating engineering problems in isolation.
His professional experience also encompasses the aviation and renewable energy sector. As a Flight Operations Engineering Intern at Azul Brazilian Airlines, Hari developed a Fortran-based program to assess the landing performance of their Embraer and Airbus fleets with 95% accuracy, contributing directly to operational safety. At Seneca Energy Systems, a UK-based startup, he designed tidal-powered agricultural systems and built financial models projecting strong growth, advancing the concept to the interview stage of the MIT Climate & Energy Prize 2024.
In his current role at CapCO₂ Solutions, Hari brings these experiences together, leading complex grant efforts across Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture programs, integrating techno-economic and lifecycle analyses, and helping to streamline workflows across multiple initiatives, improving project turnaround and strategic alignment.
Alongside technical achievement, Hari has demonstrated a sustained commitment to mentorship and educational access. Through nonprofit and advocacy work in India, he has mentored more than 1,000 students toward higher-education opportunities, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. His journey, shaped by financial responsibility, academic excellence, and resilience, reflects both personal discipline and a clear sense of service.
Across aerospace, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy, Srihari Balaji has harnessed his technical expertise with strategic vision to deliver solutions that drive measurable impact.
