Antora Energy

Details

Positions: R&D Test Engineering Intern
Location: San Jose, CA
Innovation Area: Storage, Transmission and Management
Position Type: TomKat Center-supported
Compensation: $8,500 stipend paid by TomKat; Antora will supplement on top of this stipend to meet a $35/hourly rate
Internship Term: 8 weeks

Apply Here

Antora Energy is a privately-held clean energy company that builds and deploys thermal energy storage to power always-on industrial operations and data centers with low-cost energy. Factory-built in the United States, Antora’s thermal batteries deliver reliable and cost-effective heat and power for industrial loads of any size.

  • With their Gigafactory 1 online, they are currently delivering batteries at the GWh-scale to customers in the midwest US.
  • Antora’s thermal batteries store energy as heat in carbon blocks and discharge it either as high-temperature industrial heat or as electricity.
  • Low-cost: Charges with surplus clean electricity to deliver cost-effective energy at a predictable price.
  • Reliable: Multi-day storage delivers always-on heat and power for industrial operations where downtime is not an option.
  • Simple: Solid carbon—one of the safest, most stable materials on earth—unlocks simple, high-performance energy storage without compromise.
  • Modular: Factory-built modules enable rapid deployment, seamless integration, and operational redundancy.
  • This large-scale thermal battery project, at the site of a major U.S. industrial customer,will be the largest battery system in the world once fully operational in mid-2026. The independently-financed project will deliver continuous, low-cost industrial heat to the customer’s South Dakota facility using locally-sourced renewable electricity and eliminate 4 million tons of emissions over its lifetime.

Responsibilities

At Antora, we are on a mission to stop climate change by unlocking zero-emissions industrial energy that is cheaper than fossil fuels. As an R&D Test Engineering Intern, you will play a key role in advancing our cutting-edge thermal battery technology. You will gain hands-on experience with test operations, improve test infrastructure, and contribute to the iterative design/build/test/analyze cycle that drives our innovation. This is an opportunity to work alongside a passionate team, learn from industry leaders, and make a real impact in the fight against climate change.

Role & Responsibilities
  • Develop basic competence in module test operations, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), SCADA operation, preflight and shutdown checklists, plant operations and maintenance, triaging unexpected issues, and documenting findings.
  • Assist in the execution and analysis of R&D tests to validate critical aspects of Antora’s thermal battery technology.
  • Improve key test infrastructure, including test planning and issue tracking in Jira, test protocol templates, and standard operating procedures.
  • Support data collection, processing, and reporting to ensure accurate documentation and clear passdown logs.
  • Work collaboratively with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot testing challenges and optimize testing processes.
  • Contribute to the safety and efficiency of test operations through continuous improvement of test methodologies and procedures.
  • Propose and develop new test tools, automation, and infrastructure improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the design/build/test/analyze cycle.

Who Should Apply

Those pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with exceptional skills in engineering fundamentals proven in practical engineering test or R&D settings.

Required Expertise

Key Qualifications
  • Strong engineering fundamentals, with an ability to analyze and interpret test data.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document and share findings effectively.
  • Aptitude for hands-on work, including laboratory and field testing.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Passion for clean energy and commitment to Antora’s mission.
Additional Qualifications Desired
  • Experience with SCADA systems, data acquisition, or industrial control systems.
  • Experience with industrial sensors and devices (thermocouples, transducers, etc.)
  • Familiarity with Jira or similar test planning and issue-tracking tools.
  • Previous experience in a test lab or hands-on R&D environment.
  • Understanding of thermal systems, heat transfer, or high-temperature materials.
  • Experience with scripting or automation for data collection and analysis.

Preferred Skills/Majors

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering