Job Description : TPV Research & Development Team
Company Overview : Aethonix
Aethonix is a deep-tech startup committed to revolutionizing industrial energy and significantly contributing to global decarbonization. Our mission is to tackle the immense challenge of CO2 emissions from heavy industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and power, which collectively account for over 40% of global CO2 output. We are developing a groundbreaking new generation of Thermo Photovoltaic (TPV) technology. This innovative solution aims to unlock the massive potential of industrial waste heat, converting it directly into clean electricity and enabling long-duration energy storage (LDES). Our founding team brings together expertise in business, finance, and mechanical engineering, and we are proudly supported by prominent venture capitalists in the climate-tech sector.
The Opportunity : From Lab to Revolution
This is more than just a job; it&aposs an invitation to become a foundational member of a team poised to redefine industrial energy. At Aethonix, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the end-to end development of our core TPV technology. We are bridging the critical gap between academic demonstrations and the creation of robust, scalable, and highly efficient commercial products. This is a ground-floor opportunity to engage in fundamental R&D, build a proprietary technology platform from scratch, and solve complex scientific problems that are crucial for achieving a zero-carbon industrial future. We are seeking dedicated individuals ready to apply their expertise and passion to execute this transformative vision.
The Team We&aposre Building
We are expanding our core R&D team and are looking to hire 5 to 6 highly skilled and motivated individuals to drive the development of our TPV panels and cells. This team will be instrumental in bringing our innovative technology from concept to commercial reality. We are specifically seeking :
1. Materials Scientists / Engineers (2 Positions)
Role Focus : These roles will be critical in pioneering the design and optimization of novel multi-junction TPV cell architectures, with the ambitious goal of achieving >
40% cell efficiency. You will be responsible for directing material selection and strategic R&D for all components.
Key Responsibilities :
- Advanced Semiconductor Development : Research, select, and optimize advanced semiconductors such as InGaAs, GaSb, and other low-bandgap materials crucial for TPV cell performance.
- Emitter and Reflector Design : Develop high-performance selective emitters and integrated back reflectors, including photonic crystal back reflectors, to master spectral engineering and precisely match the cell&aposs bandgap with the infrared spectrum of industrial heat sources for maximum photon conversion.
- Material Characterization : Conduct rigorous characterization of materials to ensure their properties meet the demanding requirements for high-temperature, industrial environments.
- Innovation & Problem Solving : Tackle fundamental scientific problems related to material properties, degradation mechanisms, and novel material synthesis for enhanced TPV efficiency and durability.
Ideal Candidate Profile :
PhD in Materials Science, Nanoscience, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.Deep expertise in semiconductor material properties, growth, and characterization.Experience with III-V semiconductors, selective emitters, and optical materials is highlypreferred.
2. Semiconductor Thin Film Fabrication Specialists (2 Positions)
Role Focus : These roles will be central to developing, owning, and executing the fabrication protocols for our TPV cells, from initial lab-scale devices to pilot-scale prototypes. You will ensure the manufacturability and scalability of our TPV technology.
Key Responsibilities :
Thin Film Deposition : Hands-on experience with MOCVD, MBE, or similar deposition techniques for growing III-V semiconductor thin films is essential.Process Development & Optimization : Develop and refine fabrication processes for TPV cells, focusing on yield, uniformity, and cost-effectiveness.Device Engineering : Contribute to the design and implementation of photon recycling strategies and other device engineering aspects to push cell efficiency towards theoretical limits.Cleanroom Operations : Manage and maintain cleanroom facilities and equipment, ensuring adherence to strict fabrication protocols.Ideal Candidate Profile :
PhD or Master&aposs in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with a strong focus on semiconductor device fabrication.Proven hands-on experience in thin film deposition techniques and semiconductor processing.Familiarity with cleanroom environments and associated safety protocols.3. Testing & Characterization Professionals (1-2 Positions)
Role Focus : These roles will be responsible for establishing rigorous testing methodologies to ensure device reliability, performance, and scalability. You will guarantee the stability and performance of our TPV cells and panels in high-temperature, demanding industrial environments.
Key Responsibilities :
Performance Testing : Design and execute tests to evaluate TPV cell and panel efficiency, power output, and spectral response under various operating conditions.Reliability & Durability Testing : Conduct accelerated life testing, thermal cycling, and other stress tests to assess long-term stability and degradation mechanisms.Data Analysis & Reporting : Analyze complex experimental data, identify performance bottlenecks, and provide actionable insights for R&D and manufacturing teams. Prepare detailed reports on testing outcomes.Metrology & Characterization : Utilize advanced metrology tools for structural, electrical, and optical characterization of TPV devices.Ideal Candidate Profile :
PhD or Master&aposs in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.Strong background in photovoltaic device characterization and testing.Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods.Experience with high-temperature testing and industrial reliability standards is a plus.General Requirements for All Candidates :
First-Principles Thinker : Driven by scientific curiosity, comfortable tackling complex, open-ended problems where no textbook answer exists.Experimentalist at Heart : Eager to be in the lab, designing experiments, analyzing data, and iterating quickly.Resilient and Mission-Driven : Understand that deep-tech R&D involves setbacks and are motivated by the scale of the climate challenge we are addressing.Collaboration : Ability to work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering and product development.Joining Aethonix
We are looking for our new team members to join us by November / December 2025 .
Location
All positions are based in Bangalore, India, with primary operations at IISc (Indian Institute of Science), a hub of innovation and research excellence.
What We Offer :
Competitive compensation and benefits package.The opportunity to be a foundational part of a deep-tech startup with a clear mission to decarbonize heavy industries.A collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where scientific excellence and rapid innovation are fostered.The chance to work on cutting-edge TPV technology with the potential for significant global impact.Direct path to commercializing your life&aposs work and making a tangible, lasting impact on global decarbonization.If you are a passionate and driven scientist or engineer eager to make a difference in the fight against climate change, we encourage you to apply and join Aethonix on this exciting journey!
Show more
Show less
Skills Required
device engineering , Data Analysis, material characterization