Lead Systems 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 experienced Lead Systems Engineer to drive the design, integration, testing, and reliability of our P3 thermal energy storage systems. This role is critical to scaling our breakthrough technology from prototype to commercial deployment, ensuring our systems meet the demanding requirements of AI infrastructure and industrial applications.

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

• Systems Design & Architecture
• Lead end-to-end systems architecture for P3 thermal energy storage and dispatch systems
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies across thermal storage, power conversion, and control subsystems
• Develop comprehensive system specifications that balance performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability
• Drive design optimization for modular, scalable deployment across diverse industrial applications
• Collaborate with thermal, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure cohesive system design

• Testing & Validation
• Develop and execute comprehensive test strategies for thermal energy storage systems, including component, subsystem, and full-system validation
• Design and oversee thermal cycling, performance characterization, and endurance testing protocols
• Establish test procedures for 24-hour energy dispatch cycles under various load conditions
• Lead failure mode analysis and accelerated life testing programs
• Manage field testing and pilot deployment validation to ensure real-world performance meets specifications

• Reliability & Performance Engineering
• Establish reliability targets and design systems for 30-year operational lifespan with minimal maintenance
• Implement predictive maintenance strategies and condition monitoring systems
• Develop fault detection, isolation, and recovery protocols for autonomous operation
• Lead root cause analysis for system failures and implement corrective actions
• Create reliability models and conduct statistical analysis of system performance data

• Technical Leadership
• Mentor and guide systems engineering team members
• Interface with external partners, suppliers, and customers on technical requirements
• Present technical reviews to executive leadership and stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption
• Support business development with technical assessments and proposals

• Education & Experience
• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in complex systems engineering, preferably in energy, thermal systems, or industrial equipment
• 3+ years of technical leadership experience with cross-functional teams

• Technical Skills
• Proven experience with thermal energy systems, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
• Strong background in systems integration, testing, and validation methodologies
• Experience with reliability engineering, FMEA, and statistical analysis
• Proficiency in system modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar)
• Knowledge of industrial control systems and power electronics
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability

• Leadership & Communication
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and drive complex projects to completion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced startup environment
• Experience working with regulatory standards and certification processes

• PhD in relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with renewable energy systems, energy storage, or power generation equipment
• Background in AI/data center infrastructure and high-availability systems
• Experience with modular system design and factory-built equipment
• Knowledge of thermal storage technologies and phase change materials
• Professional Engineering (PE) license
• Experience with agile development methodologies and startup environments

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.