Test Engineer

We're hiring a Test Engineer to own day-to-day operation of the solar simulator and lead the characterization and validation testing that feeds directly into our product development. This is a hands-on role for someone who likes working with real hardware, high-flux optics, and high-temperature systems , and who gets energized by the fact that the data they generate actually drives design decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, set up, and execute test campaigns on the solar simulator, including thermal receiver characterization, material testing, and sub-system validation
• Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems to capture high-quality experimental data
• Operate and maintain the simulator and supporting lab infrastructure , lamp arrays, optics, cooling, controls, and safety systems
• Perform flux mapping, spectral characterization, and calibration to ensure test conditions are well-understood and repeatable
• Instrument test articles with thermocouples, pyrometers, flow meters, flux sensors, and related diagnostics
• Develop data acquisition and control scripts (LabVIEW, Python, or similar) and automate repetitive test sequences
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies, and communicate results clearly to R&D, engineering, and leadership stakeholders
• Partner closely with design engineers to translate test findings into design improvements
• Write test plans, procedures, and reports; maintain rigorous records of configurations, calibrations, and results
• Enforce and continuously improve lab safety practices for high-flux, high-temperature, and high-voltage work
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause investigations on prototype hardware

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related engineering field
• 3+ years of hands-on test engineering experience in a lab or prototype environment
• Experience designing and executing test plans, including instrumentation selection and test fixture design
• Proficiency with data acquisition tools (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or similar) and common lab instrumentation
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, or thermal-fluid systems
• Comfort working with high-temperature, high-voltage, or otherwise hazardous equipment, and a demonstrated safety-first mindset
• Clear technical writing and the ability to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with solar simulators, high-flux testing, or other high-intensity optical systems
• Familiarity with thermal receivers, heat exchangers, or high-temperature storage materials
• Experience calibrating optical or thermal instrumentation (pyrometers, flux gauges, radiometers)
• Background in mechanical fabrication, machining, or hands-on prototype assembly
• Previous work in a fast-moving hardware startup environment

Additional Information:

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