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Exowatt is revolutionizing energy storage for the AI era with a 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 and Sam Altman, the company is building clean, modular, scalable power solutions for AI infrastructure.
You will lead materials innovation for Exowatt's thermal energy storage technology, spearheading cutting-edge research into high-temperature materials that operate in extreme thermal cycling conditions. Your work will focus on developing novel material compositions and processing techniques for the company's proprietary sensible heat battery technology, which must withstand temperatures exceeding 1000°C.
Key responsibilities include:
• Conduct fundamental research into thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal expansion, and long-term stability of advanced ceramics, refractory metals, and composite materials
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and optical engineers to solve complex multi-physics problems at the intersection of materials science, thermodynamics, and optics
• Lead materials selection and optimization for Fresnel lens systems, requiring expertise in optical materials, coatings, and durability under concentrated solar radiation
• Drive materials innovation for heat engine components (Stirling engines) requiring expertise in high-temperature alloys, tribology, and fatigue resistance
• Design and execute sophisticated materials testing protocols using advanced characterization techniques (XRD, SEM/TEM, DSC/TGA, mechanical testing, thermal cycling)
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations to improve material performance and system reliability
• Develop predictive models for material behavior under extreme thermal and mechanical loading
• Lead materials cost optimization initiatives while maintaining performance requirements and manufacturability
• Establish strategic partnerships with materials suppliers and research institutions
• Drive intellectual property development through patents and publications
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in advanced materials characterization and testing
• Create comprehensive technical documentation and present research findings to leadership and industry conferences
Relocation to Miami, FL is required; the company provides relocation assistance.
REQUIREMENTS:
• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with demonstrated expertise in high-temperature materials, thermal energy storage, or related advanced materials systems
• Minimum 5 years of deep research experience in materials engineering, with preference for renewable energy, aerospace, concentrated solar power, or advanced energy storage industries
• Proven track record of breakthrough research evidenced by high-impact publications, patents, and successful technology transitions from lab to commercial applications
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced materials including high-temperature ceramics, refractory alloys, optical materials, thermal barrier coatings, and phase change materials
• Deep understanding of materials thermodynamics, kinetics, and processing methods (powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, thin film deposition, crystal growth)
• Expertise in advanced characterization techniques and statistical analysis of materials data
• Experience with computational materials science tools (DFT, molecular dynamics, finite element modeling)
• Demonstrated success in translating research into commercially viable materials solutions
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth technology companies or leading research institutions
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration in complex engineering systems
