Lead Materials Engineer (Miami, FL)

What You'll Do:

• Advanced Materials Research & Development:
• Lead cutting-edge research into high-temperature thermal storage materials, optical concentrators, and heat engine components operating in extreme thermal cycling conditions
• Develop novel material compositions and processing techniques for our proprietary sensible heat battery technology that must withstand temperatures exceeding 1000°C
• Conduct fundamental research into thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal expansion, and long-term stability of advanced ceramics, refractory metals, and composite materials
 
• Cross-Disciplinary Innovation:
• Collaborate with our world-class team of mechanical, thermal, and optical engineers to solve complex multi-physics problems at the intersection of materials science, thermodynamics, and optics
• Lead materials selection and optimization for our Fresnel lens systems, requiring expertise in optical materials, coatings, and durability under concentrated solar radiation
• Drive materials innovation for heat engine components (Stirling engines) requiring expertise in high-temperature alloys, tribology, and fatigue resistance
 
• Advanced Characterization & Analysis:
• Design and execute sophisticated materials testing protocols using advanced characterization techniques (XRD, SEM/TEM, DSC/TGA, mechanical testing, thermal cycling)
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations to continuously improve material performance and system reliability
• Develop predictive models for material behavior under extreme thermal and mechanical loading conditions
 
• Strategic Materials Engineering:
• Lead materials cost optimization initiatives while maintaining performance requirements—balancing advanced material properties with manufacturability and scalability
• Establish strategic partnerships with materials suppliers and research institutions to advance next-generation thermal storage materials
• Drive intellectual property development through patents and publications in high-impact journals
 
• Technical Leadership:
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in advanced materials characterization and testing methodologies
• Create comprehensive technical documentation including research reports, material specifications, testing protocols, and manufacturing guidelines
• Present research findings to executive leadership, investors, and at prestigious industry conferences
 

Required Experience

• Research Excellence:
• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with demonstrated expertise in high-temperature materials, thermal energy storage, or related advanced materials systems
• Minimum 5 years of deep research experience in materials engineering, with preference for renewable energy, aerospace, concentrated solar power, or advanced energy storage industries
• Proven track record of breakthrough research evidenced by high-impact publications, patents, and successful technology transitions from lab to commercial applications
 
• Technical Expertise:
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced materials including high-temperature ceramics, refractory alloys, optical materials, thermal barrier coatings, and phase change materials
• Deep understanding of materials thermodynamics, kinetics, and processing methods (powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, thin film deposition, crystal growth)
• Expertise in advanced characterization techniques and statistical analysis of materials data
• Experience with computational materials science tools (DFT, molecular dynamics, finite element modeling)
 
• Industry Impact:
• Demonstrated success in translating research into commercially viable materials solutions
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth technology companies or leading research institutions
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration in complex engineering systems