Lead Thermal Design Engineer

We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of solar thermal receivers for our energy systems. In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar radiation into our thermal storage systems.

You will work at the intersection of heat transfer, materials science, and optical engineering to push the boundaries of receiver efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the end-to-end design and development of high-temperature solar receivers optimized for solar field integration
• Developing thermal and optical models to predict receiver performance, including flux distribution, heat transfer efficiency, and thermal stress analysis
• Selecting and qualifying materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures (800°C–1000°C+), thermal cycling, and high solar flux environments
• Designing receiver geometries (cavity, external, tubular, particle-based) to maximize energy absorption while minimizing thermal losses and mechanical fatigue
• Collaborating with solar collection and controls teams to optimize aiming strategies and flux distribution on receiver surfaces
• Interfacing with heat exchanger and thermal storage engineers to ensure seamless integration of receiver output with downstream systems
• Developing and executing testing protocols for receiver prototypes, including high-flux testing and accelerated life cycle evaluation
• Driving design-for-manufacturing initiatives to reduce receiver cost and improve producibility at scale
• Staying current with advances in receiver technology, high-temperature coatings, and selective absorber materials

Required qualifications include:

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; a master's or PhD is preferred
• 7+ years of experience in thermal systems design, with significant focus on high-temperature receiver or heat exchanger development
• Demonstrated expertise in solar thermal receiver design for tower-based or central receiver systems
• Strong background in heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics
• Proficiency with thermal simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, SolarPILOT, or equivalent)
• Experience with high-temperature materials including ceramics, refractory metals, and advanced alloys
• Hands-on experience taking receiver designs from concept through prototype testing and into production

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with molten salt, liquid sodium, or particle-based heat transfer media
• Knowledge of selective absorber coatings and high-temperature surface treatments
• Familiarity with optical modeling and ray-tracing software for flux analysis
• Background in solar field optimization and aiming point strategies
• Publications or patents in solar thermal receiver technology

Additional information:

• Competitive salary and equity options
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans
• Dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry
• Relocation assistance