Lead Mechanical Engineer
Job description
About the role
Mechanical Engineer, Structural Design
Exowatt is transforming the energy sector to support the computational demands of artificial intelligence. Our pioneering P3 system is designed to harvest sunlight, convert it into thermal energy, and convert that stored heat into electricity on demand. Established in 2023, the company has secured funding from prominent sources such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sam Altman, and Felicis. Exowatt is dedicated to delivering renewable energy solutions that are modular, scalable, and always available, making advanced technology sustainable and accessible.
We are currently looking for a Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in structural design to join our team. In this capacity, you will be responsible for the structural engineering of our power generation units, ensuring they perform reliably under a wide range of operational stresses. The position is primarily located in Austin, Texas, with the possibility of relocating to Miami, Florida. Successful candidates must be prepared to move to one of these locations, and Exowatt will assist with the relocation process.
About the Position
The role involves the complete structural lifecycle of our energy storage systems. You will be tasked with analyzing how our units respond to environmental forces and thermal variations. The goal is to ensure that every frame and joint maintains performance and safety throughout its operational life. You will work closely with product development and manufacturing teams to integrate structural requirements into the design process. This collaboration is essential to balance innovation with practical manufacturing and reliability considerations.
Compensation and Location
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Location: USA
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Engagement: Full-time
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Compensation: Base salary of $180,000.00 with an annual bonus of $27,000.00
Key Responsibilities
Your daily work will focus on the mechanical integrity of our core technology. Specific duties include the following.
- Developing structural layouts for protective enclosures that shield internal hardware from environmental forces such as wind and seismic activity.
- Conducting in-depth analysis of thermal expansion and its impact on mounting hardware to prevent structural failure over extreme temperature cycles.
- Utilizing simulation software to map internal stress distributions and optimize the routing of load paths, which directly influences material choices.
- Performing detailed checks on bolted and welded joints to confirm they can withstand combined loading scenarios without failure.
- Designing and outlining validation test procedures to verify that prototypes meet rigorous safety standards in different climate conditions.
- Maintaining comprehensive technical records that document design logic and calculations, ensuring clarity for future engineering reviews.
- Partnering with the hardware engineering group to ensure that component designs are compatible with structural limitations.
- Advising on the selection of metals, composites, and surface treatments that provide long-term resistance to corrosion and wear.
Qualifications
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria.
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
- A minimum of three years of professional experience applying analytical methods such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to physical prototypes.
- A clear understanding of statics and dynamics, specifically how loads are transferred through complex frames and how connections behave under stress.
- The ability to interpret complex engineering specifications and convert them into precise CAD models that pass qualification testing.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively discuss technical risks and solutions with cross-functional partners.
Preferred Experience
Candidates who have worked on hardware involved in the transmission or storage of large-scale energy will have a distinct advantage. Familiarity with power generation, transmission, or distribution equipment is valuable.
Skills and Tools
Proficiency in the following areas is required for success in this position.
- 3D CAD software for mechanical design.
- Simulation tools used for structural analysis.
- Data analysis methods to assess test results.
Additional Information
Please refer to the official application portal for the most current details regarding the role. Exowatt is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.