Senior R&D Test Engineer

Position Summary

Antora is seeking an experienced Senior R&D Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of high-value test programs that de-risk the next generation of our thermal energy storage and combined heat and power systems. This person will lead a small team to execute sub-scale and full-scale investigations across Antora’s TES modules and balance of plant, translating product development goals into safe, well-instrumented, and actionable experiments. In addition to driving technical execution, this role will help shape the test infrastructure, operating systems, and team culture needed to scale R&D test operations efficiently. The work will directly influence key product decisions, demonstration milestones, and Antora’s path to commercialization in new markets.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of sub-scale and full-scale R&D test campaigns to evaluate and de-risk Antora’s thermal energy storage modules, CHP systems, and supporting balance of-plant hardware.
• Lead the design, implementation and operation of new test infrastructure for high-temperature, high-power experiments, including process piping, instrumentation and controls, high-power electrical and safety systems 
• Translate product and technology development goals into structured experimental plans, including test objectives, success criteria, operating procedures, and data review methods.
• Develop and improve the systems that enable efficient test operations, including SOPs, test recipes, scheduling methods, data analysis workflows, and reporting tools.
• Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and technology development teams to identify design risks, root-cause failures, and generate recommendations that improve product performance and reliability.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations across mechanical, thermal, fluid, electrical, and controls systems, using strong engineering fundamentals and hands-on problem solving.
• Maintain and continuously improve a strong safety culture by identifying hazards, defining safe operating boundaries, and implementing appropriate interlocks, procedures, and training.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians, helping build a team culture that is rigorous, collaborative, respectful, and energized by ambitious technical work.
• Identify opportunities to improve Antora’s test capabilities and advocate for high-value investments in new test infrastructure, tools, and methods.

Key Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering field; advanced degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, test operations, controls engineering, field engineering, or closely related roles supporting complex industrial hardware systems.
• Demonstrated experience operating, troubleshooting, developing high-temperature and/or high-power systems in environments such as energy, industrial processing, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or other demanding hardware settings.
• Strong engineering fundamentals across thermal, fluids, electrical, and mechanical systems, with the ability to interpret data and diagnose failure modes in multidisciplinary equipment.
• Hands-on experience building, modifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting experimental or industrial equipment, including instrumentation, plumbing, electrical systems, and control hardware.
• Experience leading small technical teams, providing day-to-day direction to engineers and technicians and promoting a healthy team culture.
• Experience creating or improving structured test operations, such as SOPs, operating procedures, test plans, automation workflows, data pipelines, or standardized reporting methods.
• Proficient in and actively leveraging novel AI tools to increase efficiency in research, planning and execution.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with engineers, technicians, and operators to drive investigations from concept through execution and follow-through.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe execution in hazardous or operationally complex environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical findings clearly and drive decisions from data.
• Willingness to work onsite and flex hours as needed to support critical test execution, including 24/7 test operations and occasional travel to commercial and R&D sites.
  
  

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Hands-on commissioning experience on first-of-a-kind hardware, demonstration systems, or pilot-scale or greater industrial equipment.
• Experience with industrial controls, sensing and automation - PLCs, SCADA, analog and digital comms, 
• Experience with industrial process piping and electrical design, including wiring diagrams, P&IDs, instrumentation lists, etc.
• Experience developing test automation, scripting, or data analysis tools based in Python, JavaScript, etc. Experience leveraging AI for rapid development of such tools.
• Experience in a startup or fast-paced product development environment where priorities evolve quickly and teams are expected to operate with high ownership.

Work Location:  Onsite - San Jose, CA

Salary Range:  $154,000 USD - $193,000 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.

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