Plant Engineer

Subcritical Systems Inc. is a venture-backed startup based in Austin, Texas dedicated to bringing the energy amplifier concept to the United States for safe generation of electrical power. Using a particle accelerator to sustain fission of nuclear fuel in a subcritical core, our innovative approach aims to transform energy production. The founding team is comprised of successful entrepreneurs with a history of building cutting-edge technology companies and scientists from US national labs with deep experience in energy amplifier technologies.

Subcritical Systems is actively hiring to expand its dynamic team, working towards licensing, regulatory submissions and construction of its first energy amplifier. More information is available at

We are seeking a creative Balance of Plant Engineer to join our growing team in a full-time, on-site role located in Austin, TX. In this role you will own the design, development, and integration of all conventional power systems that transform our nuclear heat source into grid-ready electricity. This role works closely with our engineering and scientific teams to ensure the BOP systems are reliable, safe, and optimized for our unique accelerator-driven subcritical architecture.

This role is ideal for someone with deep hands-on experience in conventional power plant engineering who is excited to apply that expertise to a first-of-its-kind nuclear power system

• Serve as the technical lead for all balance of plant systems, ensuring seamless integration with the nuclear heat source and accelerator systems.
• Lead procurement, vendor management, and equipment qualification for BOP equipment.
• Support licensing and regulatory submissions related to conventional systems.
• Collaborate with nuclear, mechanical, and controls engineers to ensure system-level compatibility and safety.
• Develop and maintain overall plant P&IDs, equipment lists, and system design descriptions.

• Lead engineering design and integration of the steam cycle.
• Own the turbine-generator system design, vendor selection, and commissioning planning.
• Perform thermodynamic cycle analysis and optimization to maximize plant efficiency.
• Define operating procedures and control logic for normal and transient operations.

• Design and manage the electrical switchyard, including step-up transformers, switch gear, and grid interconnection equipment.
• Own plant electrical single-line diagrams, load flow analysis, and protection relay coordination.
• Oversee auxiliary power distribution systems, including emergency diesel generators and uninterruptible power supplies.
• Design and integrate the conventional cooling water systems, including cooling towers, condensers, and circulating water systems.
• Evaluate and select heat rejection technologies appropriate for the plant site and thermal output.
• Ensure system designs comply with environmental regulations for water discharge and thermal limits.

• 10+ years of engineering experience in conventional power generation, including steam turbines, electrical systems, and/or cooling systems
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent)
• Hands-on experience with power plant design, commissioning, or operations
• Strong thermodynamic and engineering fundamentals
• Experience with P&t and plant systems integration
• Experience in nuclear power is a plus but not required — we will train the right conventional power engineer
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup with high ownership and ambiguity
• Excellent communicator who can work across nuclear, mechanical, and business teams
• PE license is a plus
• This role is fully in person in Austin, Texas. Our facility is located next to Austin Airport.
• Compensation:
  Base Salary + Equity + Bonus
• Opportunity to do foundational engineering work on a first-of-its-kind nuclear power system, with significant ownership and room to grow.