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Clean Technology, Renewable Energy, AI, Hardware, Energy Storage

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics (Austin, TX)

Austin, TXOnsiteFull TimePosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

  • optical components
  • lenses
  • mirrors
  • coatings
  • concentrator assemblies
  • manufacturing readiness
  • suppliers
  • production teams
  • quality
  • cost

Nice to have

  • solar optics
  • automotive optics
  • lighting optics
  • display optics
  • cost-driven
  • high-volume applications

Role summary

Exowatt is seeking a Manufacturing/NPI Engineer specializing in optics to transition precision optical components from prototype to high-volume production. This role is critical for the P3 system's solar energy capture and conversion. The engineer will be responsible for manufacturing readiness, collaborating with design, suppliers, and production teams to meet quality, cost, and ramp targets. Key responsibilities include translating optical requirements into manufacturable specifications, leading root cause analysis for quality issues, driving cost and yield improvements, and establishing documentation for scaled production. The role requires hands-on experience with optical fabrication, metrology, quality tools, and supplier management, with a focus on precision optical components like lenses, mirrors, and concentrators.

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 a Manufacturing/NPI Engineer focused on optics to take our precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, coatings, and concentrator assemblies from engineering prototype to high-volume production. Optics sit at the heart of the P3 system: every watt we deliver starts with how precisely we capture and concentrate sunlight. You will own the manufacturing readiness of these components, working hands-on with design engineers, suppliers, and production teams to hit the quality, cost, and ramp targets that make our product possible at scale.

This position is based in Austin, TX, and requires relocation to Austin, TX if you are hired. We provide relocation assistance. Domestic and international travel to supplier and manufacturing sites is required when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own new product introduction (NPI) for optical components and assemblies — from design-for-manufacturing feedback during development through pilot builds, qualification, and volume ramp

  • Develop, document, and validate manufacturing and assembly processes for precision optics, including alignment, bonding, coating, cleaning, and handling procedures

  • Define and implement optical metrology and quality controls — surface figure, transmittance/reflectance, alignment tolerances, coating durability — and the acceptance criteria suppliers are held to

  • Qualify and develop optics manufacturing and assembly suppliers domestically and internationally: run process audits, first article inspections, PPAP/qualification builds, and drive corrective actions to closure

  • Partner with design engineering to translate optical performance requirements into manufacturable specifications, realistic tolerances, and scalable processes

  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for optical yield, quality, and reliability issues across pilot and production builds

  • Drive cost-reduction and yield-improvement initiatives as production scales, balancing optical performance against manufacturability and cost

  • Build the documentation backbone for scale: work instructions, control plans, PFMEAs, and process flow diagrams for optical manufacturing and assembly

  • Travel to supplier and manufacturing sites (domestic and international) to support builds, qualifications, and issue resolution

    • Required Qualifications

  • 4+ years of manufacturing, process, or NPI engineering experience with precision optical components or optomechanical assemblies — lenses, mirrors, coatings, concentrators, or comparable high-precision hardware

  • Working knowledge of optical fabrication and assembly processes (molding, polishing, coating, replication, precision alignment and bonding) and where they break at volume

  • Hands-on experience with optical metrology tools and methods (interferometry, spectrophotometry, CMM, imaging-based alignment verification, or equivalent)

  • Experience taking hardware through NPI phase gates — prototype, EVT/DVT/PVT or equivalent — into volume production

  • Demonstrated supplier-facing experience: qualification builds, audits, first article inspection, and driving corrective action with external partners

  • Fluency with core quality tools: GD&T, SPC, PFMEA, control plans, and structured root cause methods (8D, 5-Why, or similar)

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related field — or equivalent demonstrated engineering depth

  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics)

  • Familiarity with Fresnel lenses, lamination process, reflector/concentrator optics, or non-imaging optics

  • Knowledge of optical coating processes and environmental durability testing (abrasion, humidity, thermal cycling, UV exposure)

  • Experience standing up new production lines or transferring processes between suppliers or geographies, including in Asia

  • Working knowledge of injection molding, glass forming, or roll-to-roll replication for optical surfaces

  • Experience in an early-stage or fast-ramp hardware environment where you built the process rather than inherited it

    • 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.
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