Lead Engine Development & 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 exceptional Lead Engine Test Engineer with deep expertise in testing reciprocating engines, to lead the development and optimization of our heat engine systems. This is a hands-on role and will involve testing, design, analysis, assembly and disassembly of Stirling engines. This role is critical to our mission of delivering reliable, cost-effective renewable energy at scale. You will be at the forefront of modernizing the next generation of stirling engine technology for modern energy applications, working directly with our thermal storage systems to convert stored heat into dispatchable electricity.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
• Lead the design, development, and optimization of power conversion unity system, with primary focus on Stirling engine configurations
• Drive performance improvements in engine efficiency, reliability, and power density for 24/7 operation
• Oversee the integration of heat engines with our proprietary thermal storage systems and power generation infrastructure
• Establish and validate thermodynamic models for engine performance across varying temperature differentials and operating conditions
• System Design & Development
• Design and optimize critical engine components including pistons, cylinders, regenerators, heat exchangers, and linear alternator systems
• Develop innovative solutions for hermetic sealing, working fluid management, and pressure vessel design
• Lead material selection for high-temperature applications, focusing on durability over 30-year operational lifespans
• Create modular engine architectures that enable rapid deployment and scalability
• Manufacturing & Production
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to transition designs from prototype to mass production
• Establish quality control standards and testing protocols for engine components and assemblies
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to reduce costs while maintaining performance
• Support domestic supply chain development for critical engine components
• Testing & Validation
• Develop comprehensive test plans for engine performance, durability, reliability and validation testing
• Lead root cause analysis and failure mode investigations
• Establish predictive maintenance protocols and condition monitoring systems
• Oversee field testing and commissioning of engine systems at customer sites
• Team Leadership
• Build and mentor a world-class team of mechanical engineers specializing in heat engines
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with thermal systems, controls, and software engineering teams
• Drive technical decision-making and establish engineering best practices
• Interface with executive leadership to align engine development with company strategy

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master's or PhD preferred
• At least 8+ years of hands-on experience designing, testing, sensors, data acquisition system and engine test cell development.
• Demonstrated expertise in leveraging combination of engine models and analysis-led design for engine hardware development.
• Track record of bringing engine systems from concept through production
• Technical Expertise
• Deep understanding of thermodynamic cycles, particularly Stirling, Otto, and Rankine cycles
• Expertise in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in engine modeling and simulation tools (SAGE, GT-Power, SIMSCAPE, SIMULINK, ANSYS, or similar)
• Experience with high-temperature materials and thermal management systems, and heat exchanger design.
• Knowledge of power generation systems and grid integration
• Skills & Competencies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with focus on first-principles thinking
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar)
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including casting, machining, and assembly
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex technical concepts clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in renewable energy, concentrated solar power (CSP), or thermal storage systems
• Background in developing engines for stationary power generation applications
• Experience with alternative engines, free-piston stirling engines, kinematic stirling engines, and/or linear alternator systems
• Knowledge of engine control systems and engine power electronics integration
• Track record of patents or publications in reciprocating engine technology
• Experience with modular system design and containerized solutions
• Familiarity with data center power requirements and reliability standards (99.999% uptime)

$175,000 - $200,000 a year

What We Offer :

Competitive salary and equity options.

Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.

A dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.

Relocation assistance.