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Lead Thermal Design Engineer (Austin, TX)

Exowatt · Austin, TX · On-site

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About Exowatt

Exowatt is redefining energy for the AI era. Delivering clean, modular, and scalable power that meets the rising demand of AI infrastructure. Backed by a16z and Felicis.

About the role

We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of solar thermal receivers for our energy systems. In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar radiation into our thermal storage systems. You will work at the intersection of heat transfer, materials science, and optical engineering to push the boundaries of receiver efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

What they're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated engineering depth
  • 7+ years designing high-temperature thermal hardware — solar receivers, heat exchangers, combustors, furnaces, propulsion components, or comparable systems operating at extreme heat flux
  • Deep command of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, and the judgment to know when a hand calc beats a week of simulation
  • Proficiency with thermal and structural simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, SolarPILOT, or equivalent), grounded in physical intuition rather than dependent on it
  • Hands-on experience with high-temperature materials like ceramics, refractory metals, advanced alloys up to and including selection, qualification, and failure analysis
  • A track record of taking hardware from concept through prototype testing into production, and the scars to prove it
More about this role

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system that captures solar energy, stores it as heat, and generates electricity on demand. Founded in 2023 and backed by leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sam Altman, and Felicis, we're committed to providing clean, modular, and scalable power that meets the rapidly growing demands of AI infrastructure. Our mission is to make sustainable renewable energy always available and almost free, enabling technological advancement while protecting our planet.

We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of solar thermal receivers for our energy systems. In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar radiation into our thermal storage systems. You will work at the intersection of heat transfer, materials science, and optical engineering to push the boundaries of receiver efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

This position is based in Austin, TX. If hired for this role, relocation to Austin, TX is required. We provide relocation assistance.

  • Own the solar thermal receiver end...

Read the full posting on Exowatt's site ↗

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