Antora Energy

Details

Positions: Thermophotovoltaic Module (TPV) Intern
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Innovation Area: Storage, Transmission and Management
Position Type: TomKat Center-supported
Compensation: $8000 stipend paid by TomKat; Antora will supplement on top of this stipend to meet a $35/hourly rate
Internship Term: 8 weeks (extension to 10 weeks possible, paid by Antora)

Apply Here

At Antora, we’re on a mission to stop climate change. And we can’t do that unless we tackle the 30% of global emissions that come from industry.

Antora is unlocking zero-emissions industrial energy, cheaper than fossil fuels. Antora’s thermal batteries store energy from renewables as heat for days on end, delivering that stored energy as heat and power at the scale and temperatures that large industrial operations demand. We’re on a path to eliminate gigatons of emissions while strengthening domestic manufacturing, curbing industrial air pollution, and enhancing America’s clean energy leadership.

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, low-cost, zero-emissions energy.

Responsibilities

Safety: Learning and following all Safety Requirements for hands-on research in the lab.
Materials Science: Learning metrology techniques to quantify material properties of die attach pastes and films that are used to assemble TPV cells into TPV modules. Executing lamination trials to prepare samples for testing. Organizing a laboratory notebook documenting experiments and data that are collected.
Optimization: Once a material set has been selected, designing repeat experiments to confirm validity of original results.
Hands-On Laboratory Work: Collaborate with our scientists in conducting laboratory experiments. This may involve working with photovoltaic devices, materials, and measurement equipment, in order to prepare real samples and measure the output.
Data Analysis: Perform data analysis to extract meaningful insights from experimental data.
Presentation of Results: Prepare, organize, and present research findings and project updates to team members via written reports as well as oral / slide-assisted presentations during regular meetings.
Additional Tasks: Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by your mentor, which may include literature research, equipment maintenance, and documentation, etc.

Who Should Apply

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment, contribute to meaningful projects, and collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals in the field. Overall, this position will provide you with a diverse skill set and a comprehensive understanding of scientific research, materials science, and engineering principles. We are committed to fostering your growth and development throughout your internship journey at Antora.

What new skills and learning opportunities would be gained / enhanced through this internship?

This position offers a dynamic and enriching learning experience in an industrial R&D laboratory setting, providing interns with the opportunity to gain and enhance a wide range of valuable skills and knowledge. Here are some of the key skills and learning opportunities you may expect to acquire during your time with us:

Safety First: We take lab safety seriously. You will become more aware of safety rules and practices, essential in any science or industry setting.
Optics and Materials Science: Working with photovoltaic devices and materials will help you understand how they are made, tested, and used in the real world, and provide a window into what is most important for practitioners in the field.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Facing real challenges in the lab will sharpen your problem-solving and creative thinking abilities. Our fast-paced environment will teach you to adapt quickly to new ideas and methods.
Data Analysis and Reporting: You will learn to use data analysis software for data visualization and discovery. You will learn how to interrogate data and reach conclusions, and how to communicate those conclusions both to a scientific as well as to a general audience.
Lab Skills: You will develop hands-on lab skills, like handling samples, setting up experiments, and collecting data.
Teamwork: Learn how to work effectively in a research team. You'll contribute to various projects, from research to making products.

Personal Growth: You will interact with experienced scientists and professionals, providing mentorship and personal growth opportunities. You will also learn about industry best practices and career development.

Required Expertise

Availability: Able to work full-time, 40 hours per week, onsite at our Sunnyvale, CA location.
Enrollment: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
Mission: Strong motivation to address climate change through the work we do at Antora.
Curiosity and Learning: A strong desire to learn new concepts and methodologies and work collaboratively with mentor(s) to achieve common goals.
Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Interpersonal Skills: Empathy, sensitivity, and ability to effectively interact with a broad and diverse range of colleagues.
Additional Qualifications Desired:
Optics: A proven background in optics, ideally involving transmission, reflection, absorption in thin films.
Laboratory Experience: Previous academic or industrial laboratory experience and a strong commitment to the understanding of laboratory safety protocols.
Manual Dexterity: Proficiency in handling small and fragile samples with precision and care.

Preferred Skills/Majors

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field