Senior Mechanical Engineer (Sheet Metal Structures)

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 Mechanical Engineer (Sheet Metal Structures)

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and develop critical structures within Kaleidos. You will solve unique challenges creating efficient and reliable structures that facilitate fission while surviving extreme temperature environments and meeting volumetric constraints. You will be responsible for the following: trade studies, material selection, detailed structural analysis, assembly, integration, and testing. You will have an instrumental impact of fueling the first new commercial reactor design in over 50 years by 2026.

Responsibilities & Duties

- Ownership of critical structures such as mass-efficient transportable shielding systems, container system, and high temperature graphite and metallic systems.

- Conduct trade studies and develop designs to meet program requirements.

- Perform detailed thermomechanical analysis (static strength, durability/fatigue) and dynamic analysis (vibration, shock) to determine structural integrity (margins of safety) using both hand calculations and finite element tools.

- Develop and execute manufacturing/assembly instructions and test plans.

- Create and manage a Bill-Of-Materials (BOM).

- Find and develop suppliers for components.

- Own subassembly design, manufacturing, and test schedules.

- Own risk analysis (FMEA) for subsystems.

- 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, Aeronautical, Civil or Structural Engineering.

- 6+ years of experience designing structures. - 4+ years of experience performing stress analysis using both hand calculations and finite element tools (Abaqus, Ansys, FEMAP, or similar).

Desired Qualifications & Skills

- Experience with design of multi-component assemblies in CAD (NX or similar).

- Experience designing hardware that was manufactured, deployed, and iteratively improved.

- Experience resolving thermal expansion issues in designs.

- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.

- Solid understanding and application of GD&T.

- Proficiency with both “hand calc” analytical methods and higher fidelity finite element-based analysis methods.

- Ability to derive free-body diagrams for systems with which one was not previously familiar.

- 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.

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.