Sr. TPV Process Development Engineer

Antora; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Health benefits

401K with employer contributions

Generous PTO

Job summary

Antora Energy is seeking a Process Development Engineer to drive improvements in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) performance. This role owns optical thin-film processes and plays a central role in optical and device modeling that guides Antora's efficiency roadmap.

The role combines hands-on cleanroom process development with optical design, device modeling, metrology, data analysis, and experimental design to identify high-impact opportunities and translate them into measurable gains in device

Qualifications

• BS with 5+ years, MS 3+ years, or PhD in physics/optics/EE/materials science.
• Hands-on PVD deposition (EB evaporation, thermal evaporation, or sputtering).
• Optical and device-modeling expertise, including multilayer thin-film stacks and validating model predictions.
• Thin-film metrology knowledge (reflectometry, FTIR, ellipsometry).
• Proficiency in Python or similar tools for data processing and modeling.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and rigorous technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own optical thin-film deposition processes and equipment.
• Own the process-side roadmap for improving TPV efficiency using optical and device models in Python.
• Characterize thin films and establish metrology and process controls (thickness, index, reflectance, uniformity).
• Compare model predictions with measured device performance and refine models accordingly.
• Plan and run structured process experiments using Python, JMP, and AI to accelerate development.

Job description

Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or multi-year construction timelines.

We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and work with humility and openness. We are committed to building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy.

Position Summary

Antora is seeking a Process Development Engineer to help drive continued improvements in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) performance. This engineer will own key optical thin-film processes and play a central role in the optical and device modeling that guides Antora's broader efficiency roadmap.

The role combines hands‑on cleanroom process development with optical design, device modeling, metrology, data analysis, and experimental design. You will use these tools to identify and prioritize the highest-impact opportunities for improving TPV performance, develop and validate solutions in the fab, and translate them into measurable gains in device performance.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop and own optical thin-film deposition processes and equipment. This includes coating design, process development, qualification, troubleshooting, process control, and user training.
• Own the process-side roadmap for improving TPV efficiency. This includes building and using optical and device-level models in Python, with AI-assisted coding and analysis used extensively to accelerate development.
• Characterize thin films and establish reliable metrology and process controls for properties such as thickness, refractive index, reflectance, uniformity, stress, and adhesion.
• Compare model predictions with measured device performance, then use the results to improve the models and guide further process development.
• Plan and run structured process experiments, using tools such as Python, JMP, and AI to analyze results and accelerate process development.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience, or PhD in physics, optics, electrical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands‑on experience with physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques such as electron‑beam evaporation, thermal evaporation, or sputtering.
• Demonstrated success developing and qualifying optical thin‑film deposition processes.
• Optical and device-modeling expertise, including designing and optimizing multilayer thin‑film stacks and validating model predictions against measured film or device data.
• Practical knowledge of thin‑film characterization and metrology techniques such as reflectometry, FTIR, spectrophotometry, ellipsometry, or related methods.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics, particularly photovoltaics, III‑V semiconductors, or other optoelectronic devices.
• Proficiency in Python or similar computational tools for data processing, visualization, modeling, and automation.
• Effective use of AI‑assisted tools for coding, modeling, analysis, and documentation, supported by sound technical judgment and critical validation of generated outputs.
• Rigorous technical documentation and knowledge transfer, including clear SOPs, experiment records, and process specifications.
• Clear technical communication and effective cross‑functional collaboration, combined with intellectual honesty and a continuous‑improvement mindset.

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Familiarity with photomask and device-layout tools such as KLayout or L‑Edit and with photolithography processes.
• Experimental and analytical skills, including design of experiments, statistical process analysis, structured root‑cause investigation, and process optimization.
• Knowledge of statistical process control, process scaling, and other methods used to transition R&D processes toward production.

Work Location: Onsite - San Jose, CA

Salary Range: $129,000 USD - $210,000 USD

Salary Basis: Annual

Please note that the salary range listed above reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay for this position. The actual salary offered will be within the posted range and determined based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experiences, credentials and expertise, as they pertain to the position's requirements.

In addition to a competitive base salary, Antora Energy’s Total Rewards program includes equity compensation in the form of stock options, a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, and an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off.

When it comes to stopping climate change, we need everyone. We believe that having a diversity of backgrounds and experiences strengthens all of us, and we strive to create an environment where every one of us is empowered to create meaningful change.