Heat to Power Process Validation Intern (m/w/d)

Antora builds and deploys thermal batteries to power always-on industrial operations with low-cost energy. Factory-built in the United States, Antora's modular thermal batteries deliver reliable heat and power, enabling industrial facilities of any size to decarbonize predictably and profitably. Antora is electrifying global industry while supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs, lowering costs for energy consumers, and enhancing the competitiveness of American industry.

We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and build with humility and openness. We are committed to continue building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future where every industrial facility, everywhere on earth, is powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy.

Position Summary

Antora Energy is building ultra-low-cost thermal batteries to decarbonize industrial heat and power. Our thermophotovoltaic (TPV) technology converts stored heat directly into electricity, enabling dispatchable, carbon-free power at industrial scale. Scaling TPV from lab to manufacturing is a critical step toward commercialization-and this internship sits directly at that inflection point.

Enable Antora's TPV manufacturing scale-up by independently measuring, analyzing, and improving process times across TPV cell and module fabrication. You will deliver data-driven insights that validate throughput assumptions, reduce manufacturing risk, and inform cost and reliability models.

This internship is for Winter 2026, for 10 weeks starting in mid/late January.

Roles & Responsibilities

• As a TPV Process Validation Intern, you will work hands-on in Antora's lab and cleanroom to generate the manufacturing data needed to support a 10 MWe/year TPV production target. Specifically, you will:
  • Validate TPV cell and module process throughput against a 10 MWe/year target using measured takt-time and yield data.
  • Independently execute hands-on takt-time studies in the lab and cleanroom, actively participating in fabrication and assembly steps.
  • Collect and analyze tool time, labor time, and queue/wait time across all major TPV cell and module manufacturing steps.
  • Map end-to-end TPV manufacturing processes and identify bottlenecks, constraints, and high-risk steps.
  • Develop data-backed improvement concepts to increase throughput and reduce manufacturing risk.
  • Deliver decision-ready datasets, documentation, and summaries supporting grant milestones and updates to Antora's TPV manufacturing cost model.

Key Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical field relevant to semiconductor manufacturing, including III-V (arsenide/phosphide) materials or optoelectronics.
• Ability to independently plan and execute hands-on work in a lab and/or cleanroom environment.
• Experience with or strong interest in manufacturing process mapping, time studies, or takt-time analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, organize, and analyze quantitative data with attention to accuracy and repeatability.
• Comfort working directly with tools, equipment, and fabrication or assembly processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a structured approach to identifying bottlenecks and process risks.
• Ability to clearly document work and communicate technical findings through datasets, written summaries, and presentations.
• Willingness to follow cleanroom and lab safety protocols and participate in hands-on fabrication activities.

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Prior experience in a manufacturing, process engineering, operations, or hardware R&D environment.
• Exposure to cleanroom fabrication, semiconductor processing, or precision assembly.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methods (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, TOC).
• Experience separating tool time, labor time, and queue time in real manufacturing workflows.
• Comfort working with cost models, throughput models, or yield assumptions.
• Proficiency with Excel, Python, JMP, or similar tools for data analysis and visualization.
• Interest in energy, power electronics, thermal systems, or climate-tech hardware.

Work Location: Onsite - Sunnyvale, CA

Hourly Range: $35 USD - $45 USD

Please note that the hourly range listed for this position reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay rate. The actual rate offered will be determined based on a candidate's experience, year in school, and degree, as they relate to the position's requirements.

Additionally, this position does not offer visa sponsorship. Only candidates with current work authorization (e.g., F-1 visa with OPT/CPT authorization) will be considered.