Portfolio Company Careers

Head of Engineering

H

Hexium

Software Engineering
Austin, TX, USA
Posted on Dec 20, 2024

Company
Hexium is an early-stage company building hardware at the cutting edge of plasma, laser, and atomic physics to enable transformational technologies and solutions in the clean energy and medical industries.
Job Summary
We are seeking an engineering leader to join our mission of delivering critically needed materials to the world. The ideal candidate thrives in the ambiguity of new product development, excels at implementing robust engineering principles and practices, and is ready to shape a growing organization with strong scientific foundations.
We value a passion for learning and a curiosity to question existing approaches while using data-driven analysis to make sound decisions. If you’re someone who embraces rapid innovation and thrives in a startup environment, we’d love to have you on our team!
Job Responsibilities
Leadership and Project Management

  • Build and lead specialized teams focused on industrial-scale vacuum and laser systems for high-volume production environments.
  • Oversee complex system integration projects, ensuring multidisciplinary alignment and achievement of technical and business objectives.

System Design

  • Lead the development of high vacuum systems, emphasizing material outgassing, sealing techniques, bake-out procedures, and surface treatments.
  • Design and integrate mechanical components with sensors, electronics, and control systems for optimal performance.
  • Identify and optimize materials (e.g., stainless steel, ceramics, vacuum-compatible polymers) for high-performance applications.
  • Oversee the integration of lasers into complex assemblies, focusing on beam alignment, optical design, thermal management, and minimizing optical losses in vacuum environments.

Testing and Validation

  • Conduct system- and component-level testing, including vacuum chamber testing, leak detection, and lifecycle validation.
  • Perform environmental testing cycles, including HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and other stress methodologies to ensure product robustness.

Manufacturing Implementation

  • Design for scalability, ensuring low- and high-volume manufacturing processes are cost-effective and efficient.
  • Implement best practices for transitioning prototypes to production, focusing on quality control and process optimization.

Qualifications
Leadership and Project Management

  • Proven track record of building and managing teams executing complex, multidisciplinary projects.
  • Skilled in collaborating with stakeholders to meet compliance and performance requirements.

Technical Expertise

  • Extensive knowledge of high vacuum principles, sealing techniques, and materials (metals, ceramics, polymers).
  • Hands-on experience with laser system integration, including beam alignment, optical design, and thermal management in vacuum environments.
  • Proficiency in CAD software and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, FEA, CFD).
  • Expertise in testing and validation methodologies for vacuum systems and lasers, including HALT and other environmental testing cycles.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes for both low- and high-volume production, with a focus on quality control and scalability strategies.

Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a core engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field) required; advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) strongly preferred.

Job Type: Full-timeBenefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation assistance

Compensation Package:

  • Bonus opportunities
  • Performance bonus
  • Stock options

Schedule:

  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person