Opto-Mechanical Test Engineer

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 an Opto-Mechanical Test Engineer to join our Optical team. You will design, build, and maintain high-performance test beds for our solar-thermal, optical-measurement, and fluid-handling systems, combining mechanical engineering expertise with optics and computer-vision troubleshooting, scripting for automation, and data analysis to keep every rig— from laser-based stations to chillers and piping loops—running reliably and continuously improving performance .

This position is based in Miami, FL. If selected, relocation to Miami, FL is required. Exowatt provides relocation assistan ce

Key Responsibilities

Test Bed Design & Fabrication

- Interpret and update mechanical drawings to build fixtures, alignment tools, piping manifolds, and custom mounts. Apply rapid-prototyping techniques (e.g., 3D printing, CNC) to iterate on test-bed and flow-system components

Commissioning & Maintenance

- Assemble and commission electromechanical and fluid-handling assemblies (stages, actuators, valves, chillers, tubing runs, safety interlocks). Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot mechanical drift, fluid leaks, sensor faults, optical misalignments, and vision-system alignment

Automation & Integration

- Develop and maintain scripts to orchestrate test sequences, control PLCs/robots, chillers, pumps, and log multi-channel data. Integrate DAQ hardware, imaging cameras, and configure pass/fail logic for both optical and thermal/fluid tests

Computer Vision & Measurement

- Deploy and calibrate machine-vision systems to monitor alignment, spot defects, and verify fluid-flow conditions in real time. Execute calibration routines (laser power, sensor zeroing, flow meters) and verify measurement accuracy across domains

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

- Analyze combined optical, vision, thermal, and flow data to identify trends, flag anomalies, and support R&D decisions. Apply Lean methodologies and FMEA to reduce cycle time, improve overall equipment effectiveness, and optimize chiller and piping performance

Documentation & Training

- Author clear work instructions, maintenance checklists, piping schematics, and troubleshooting guides; train team members on optical, vision, and fluid-handling best practices

Required Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field; Master’s degree preferred

Experience and Expertise

- 3+ years designing, commissioning, or maintaining test equipment with piping, chillers, pumps, and fluid loops

- Hands-on optical alignment and machine-vision deployment for measurement or defect detection

- Ability to read mechanical and piping schematics; integrate precision sensors (encoders, photodiodes, flow meters, thermocouples)

- Proficient in scripting to automate test sequences, control hardware (PLCs, robots, pumps, chillers), and capture multi-modal data

- Skilled at modifying 3D models and preparing fabrication and piping-layout drawings

- Methodical troubleshooting mindset, strong safety focus, and excellent verbal/written communication

- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced R&D environment and collaborates across disciplines

Software and

Tools

Creo, SolidWorks | C++, Python, MATLAB

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with clean-room protocols, vision-guided robotics, laser-scanning systems, statistical process control, or advanced data-visualization techniques