Lead Mechanical Engineer - Heat Exchangers (Austin, TX)

NextGenEnergyJobs; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Exowatt is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to own the heat exchanger system for our power conversion unit in Austin, TX. You will lead design, analysis, testing, and documentation, interfacing with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in thermal-fluid heat exchanger design, hands-on testing experience, and proficiency in CAD/FEA tools. This role emphasizes manufacturability, safety, and collaboration across electrical, controls, and software teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years of mechanical engineering with emphasis on thermal-fluid systems and heat exchangers.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop the heat exchange system for Exowatt’s power conversion unit from design and analysis in a hands-on fashion.
• Perform analysis of mechanical components and systems for heat exchangers using CFD/FEA and CAD tools.
• Design, build and test prototype heat exchanger units for power conversion units.
• Validate models by test and analytical methods; create detailed engineering drawings.

Skills

Heat exchanger design

CFD/FEA analysis

3D CAD (SolidWorks/Creo)

Thermal-fluid systems

Engineering drawing standards (GD&T)

Thermal stress analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ANSYS Multiphysics

Nastran

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Lead Mechanical Engineer - Heat Exchangers (Austin, TX)

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3system that captures solar energy, stores it as heat, and generates electricity on demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop the heat exchange system for Exowatt’s power conversion unit from design and analysis in a hands-on fashion. Engage with suppliers for development, build and testing.
• Perform analysis of mechanical components and systems for heat exchangers utilizing CFD and FEA such as Ansys multiphysics, CAD (Solidworks, Creo, or equivalent.
• Design, build and test of prototype heat exchanger units for Exowatt’s power conversion units.
• Validate models by test and analytical methods
• Create detailed engineering drawings and specifications for manufacturing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, controls, thermal, and software engineers
• Evaluate and select appropriate materials based on requirements, cost, and sustainability
• Design for manufacturability, assembly, and serviceability
• Interface with suppliers, manufacturers, and external engineering partners
• Participate in design reviews and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Troubleshoot issues during testing and deployment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master's degree preferred
• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience with a focus on thermal-fluid systems with a focus on heat exchanger design, analysis, and development.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and optimizing heat exchangers (shell-and-tube, fined heat exchangers, heat sinks, printed circuit heat exchangers, heat pipes, etc) for high temperature applications.
• Hands-on experience in testing of heat exchangers, energy, and power conversion systems.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, conjugate heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal coatings, with the ability to perform thermal and hydraulic sizing calculations
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and experience designing complex flow paths and pressure-containing components
• Experience with FEA and CFD software (ANSYS multiphysics, Nastran, or similar) for thermal stress analysis and fatigue life prediction under cyclic operating conditions
• Familiarity with CFD tools for flow distribution, heat transfer optimization, and pressure drop analysis
• Strong understanding of GD&T ASME Y14.5 and engineering drawing standards for precision-manufactured components
• Knowledge of relevant standards and codes (ASME BPVC, TEMA, API, ISO) as applied to pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and rotating equipment
• Experience designing for demanding operating environments, including thermal cycling, high-temperature creep, and corrosive or reactive working fluids
• Experience with renewable energy systems, thermal energy storage, or concentrated solar power preferred
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams