Radiant is an El-Segundo, CA-based clean energy startup building a nuclear microreactor. A climate-friendly alternative to diesel generators, Radiant's Kaleidos 1MW microreactor will be the world's first portable, zero-emissions power source that works anywhere. We plan to test our development reactor by 2026 and if successful, it will be the first new commercial reactor design to achieve a fueled test in over 50 years. Radiant's goal is to bring one of the world's first factory-constructed microreactors to market. Our microreactor can bring power to remote parts of the world and provide backup power for life-saving applications in hospitals or disaster-relief scenarios.
Mechanical Engineer
Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to develop new hardware in a fast-paced startup environment. The candidate will be responsible for owning the high-pressure, high-temperature helium circulator through analysis, manufacturing, testing, and integration for the Kaleidos Demonstration Unit (KDU) test reactor. You will develop critical hardware at the center of the reactor Primary Loop while considering performance, reliability, manufacturability, mass, and cost. The ideal candidate has experience building early concept components through production and is excited about our vision to build Earth’s mass-produced nuclear reactors.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Mechanical Engineering ownership of the high-pressure, high-temperature helium circulator
- Conduct trade studies and develop designs to meet system requirements.
- Perform detailed thermal and mechanical analysis (static strength, durability/fatigue) to determine structural integrity (margins of safety) using both hand calculations and finite element tools.
- Develop and execute hardware testing plans and development campaigns to buy-down technical risk.
- Develop and execute manufacturing/assembly instructions and test plans.
- Create and manage a Bill-Of-Materials (BOM).
- Find and develop suppliers for all components.
- Own subassembly design, manufacturing, and test schedules.
- Own risk analysis and mitigation strategies for hardware.
- Collect requirements, provide expertise and feedback to engineers in other functional areas via clear, constructive communication.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical, Materials, Aeronautical, Civil or Structural Engineering.
- 2+ years of experience conducting trade studies and design of mechanical components or subsystems.
- 2+ years of experience performing stress analysis (static and fatigue) using both hand calculations and finite element tools (Abaqus, Ansys, or similar).
Desired Qualifications & Skills
- Passionate to learn new skills and apply new concepts, including motor design and operating principles, power electronics integration, and basic turbomachinery concepts.
- 2+ years of experience with design of multi-component assemblies in CAD (SolidWorks or similar).
- 2+ years of professional experience designing hardware that was manufactured, deployed, and iteratively improved.
- Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
- Proficiency with both “hand calc” analytical methods and higher fidelity Finite Element based analysis methods.
- Track record of appropriate fidelity selection, based on engineering questions to be answered.
- Ability to derive free-body diagram and control volume-based models for systems with which one was not previously familiar.
- Experience performing CFD analysis for combined fluid/thermal modeling of systems.
- Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
- Experience with using text-based software development tools.
Additional Requirements
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
- Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
Employee Benefits for Eligible Employees:
- Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full time, salaried employees.
- Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
- One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
- Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
- Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
- Voluntary Life, Accident, Hospital, Critical Illness, Commuter and FSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
- Free snacks and drinks onsite.
- Flexible PTO policy.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
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What We Do
Radiant is a clean energy startup building a nuclear microreactor. A climate-friendly alternative to diesel generators, Radiant's Kaleidos 1MW microreactor will be the world's first portable, zero-emissions power source that works anywhere. We plan to test our development reactor by 2026 and if successful, it will be the first new commercial reactor design to achieve a fueled test in over 50 years. Our microreactor can bring power to remote parts of the world and provide backup power for life-saving applications in hospitals or disaster-relief scenarios.
Why Work With Us
Our world-class team has prior experience in complex hardware development from SpaceX, McMaster, The Boring Company, and renowned national laboratories that define our mentality to radically improve our microreactors. We care deeply about our mission to reduce carbon emissions, and have fun while doing so from trivia nights to ski retreats.
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