Thermal Engineering Lead

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 exceptional Thermal Engineering Lead to drive the thermal management strategy for our groundbreaking P3 modules. This senior technical role focuses on developing and optimizing cutting-edge thermal solutions that maximize energy capture and storage while ensuring optimal performance across diverse operating environments.

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

What You'll Do:

Advanced Thermal System Development

- Design, analyze, and optimize sophisticated thermal management systems for Exowatt's thermal battery, heat exchangers, and/or solar thermal receiver products

- Develop thermal architecture solutions for next-generation energy capture and storage systems, balancing performance, efficiency, and manufacturability

- Create thermal design standards and technical specifications for product development

- Pioneer innovative approaches to thermal energy storage and heat transfer optimization

Engineering Analysis & Simulation

- Perform complex thermal analysis using advanced simulation tools and experimental validation methods

- Conduct thermal performance modeling and prediction for thermal battery systems and/or solar thermal receivers.

- Execute computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational thermal design for critical components

- Develop and validate sophisticated thermal models that inform design decisions

Technical Integration & Collaboration

- Work with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to integrate optimal thermal solutions

- Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure thermal designs are production-ready

- Partner with product teams to translate thermal requirements into market-leading products

- Participate in technical reviews and provide thermal expertise for design decisions

Testing & Validation

- Develop and implement comprehensive thermal testing strategies, including thermal cycling, environmental testing, and accelerated life testing

- Design and execute prototype testing programs that validate thermal performance under real-world conditions

- Conduct failure analysis investigations and implement systematic corrective actions

- Establish thermal qualification procedures for new product introductions

Technical Excellence & Documentation

- Create detailed technical documentation including design specifications, testing protocols, and analysis reports

- Develop technical presentations for internal teams, customers, and industry conferences

- Build relationships with thermal technology vendors and research institutions

- Contribute to Exowatt's thermal engineering knowledge base and best practices

Product Development Support

- Support full product development lifecycle from early concept through commercial production

- Ensure thermal requirements and performance targets are achieved throughout development

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maximize energy storage efficiency and system reliability

- Provide thermal expertise for manufacturing optimization and cost reduction

What You Bring:

Education & Experience

- BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field

- 7+ years of progressive thermal engineering experience in energy systems or related industries

- Proven track record developing thermal solutions for complex engineering systems

- Experience with energy storage, heat exchangers, concentrated solar power, thermal battery systems, or high-temperature thermal management

Technical Expertise

- Expert-level understanding of heat transfer fundamentals in complex energy systems

- Strong 0-D and 1-D analytical thermal-fluids modeling skills in Matlab, Python, or similar

- Advanced proficiency with mechanical CAD software (SolidWorks, CREO, or similar)

- Extensive experience with 2D/3D CFD software (ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, or equivalent)

- Considerable experience in testing and validation including design of experiments (DOE), data acquisition, and data analysis (LabVIEW, Matlab, or similar)

- Demonstrated experience designing high-efficiency heat exchangers for demanding applications

Specialized Experience

- Experience with thermal management of thermal energy storage systems or solar thermal receivers

- Background in thermal analysis of systems operating in challenging environments (high temperature, outdoor, industrial)

- Knowledge of thermal interface materials, phase change materials, and advanced heat transfer technologies

- Experience with thermal testing equipment and measurement systems

- Understanding of thermal safety considerations in energy storage applications

Technical Skills & Abilities

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with systematic approach to root cause analysis

- Strong technical communication skills with ability to present complex thermal concepts

- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across disciplines

- Experience with thermal materials and components selection and specification

- Capability to make data-driven engineering decisions under tight timelines

Industry Knowledge

- Experience with renewable energy systems, concentrated solar power, battery technology, or thermal energy storage

- Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations (ASME, UL, IEC, etc.)

- Understanding of manufacturing processes for thermal systems

- Familiarity with thermal materials and components supply chains

- Awareness of current trends in thermal energy storage technology

Preferred Qualifications

Education & Experience

- PhD in Thermal/Mechanical Engineering with focus on energy storage or heat transfer

- 10+ years of thermal engineering experience in energy, automotive, or aerospace industries

- Experience with concentrated solar power, packed bed thermal storage, or thermal energy storage

- Background in startup or high-growth technology companies

- Published research in thermal engineering or energy storage

- Professional engineering license (PE)

- Experience with thermal simulation of grid-scale energy systems