Lead Materials Engineer

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world’s first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt failsafe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without the need to refuel. Portable nuclear power with rapid deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators, and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development utilizes modern software engineering to rapidly achieve safe, factory-built microreactors that leverage existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor next year at the Idaho National Laboratory, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Senior Structures Engineer

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Lead Materials Engineer to lead Radiant’s material team in the development, testing, and qualification of materials and related manufacturing processes used in the Kaleidos 1MW nuclear microreactor. The ideal candidate is excited to grow an in-house materials engineering organization, is proficient in materials selection, testing, and analysis, takes great ownership of their work end-to-end, and thrives in a highly cross-functional, fast-paced environment. You will be a key contributor to building the world's first mass-produced, rapidly-deployable nuclear reactor.

Responsibilities & Duties

- Set the technical direction for the materials team, including the definition of project scopes, the guidance of day-to-day engineering and support activities, and the development of a materials engineering roadmap to support future reactor designs and builds

- Accountable for materials engineering team’s technical output

- Lead and mentor materials team members technically and professionally

- Communicate project status, issues, and schedules to teammates and executives

- Present to external stakeholders and regulatory bodies (DOE, NRC)

- Review test plans, purchase orders, and analysis

- Provide surge materials engineering support as-needed

- Manage in-house materials lab, including the identification, procurement, and operation of materials characterization equipment.

- Create and maintain materials team budget

- Oversee materials database and ensure accuracy and data quality of database content

Required Qualifications & Skills

- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering with a materials science and engineering focus

- 5+ years of experience working in the development, testing, and/or analysis of materials for demanding load cases and environments

- Hands-on experimental or testing experience in laboratory or production environments

Desired Qualifications & Skills

- Master’s or PhD degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering with a materials science and engineering focus.

- 2+ years of engineering leadership and management experience at a company building and/or testing hardware for nuclear, aerospace, or other extreme environments

- Expert-level competency in at least one area of materials science, including metallics and structural materials, solid-state processing and/or joining of materials, composites, ceramics, polymers, and/or nuclear materials such as fuel, neutron poisons, or moderators

- Experience with development and qualification of material systems for high temperature, irradiation, and/or other extreme environments

- Knowledge of standard test methods for materials and experience with development of design allowables

- Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with design and operations teams to deliver high-value results

- Experience with using text-based software development tools (Python or similar)

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.

Total Compensation And Benefits

Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a holistic evaluation of your interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits And Perks For Eligible Employees

- Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees. - Medical: 100% premium coverage for base Silver level plan for employee + 50% premium coverage for dependents. Platinum plans available.

- One Medical: Sponsored memberships for eligible employees and their dependents.

- Vision: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan + 50% for dependents. - Dental: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan (including orthodontia) + 50% for dependents.

- Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.

- 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.

- Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.

- Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.

- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.

- Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

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.