Senior Mechanisms 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.

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanisms Engineer to design and develop critical mechanisms within Kaleidos. You will solve unique challenges creating efficient and reliable mechanisms that control reactivity or actuate critical safety features. 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.

• Ownership of critical mechanisms such as the control blade actuator or air jacket valves.
• Conduct trade studies and develop designs to meet program requirements.
• Perform detailed thermomechanical analysis (static strength, durability/fatigue) and kinematic analysis to determine structural integrity and performance margins 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.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering.
• 4+ years of experience designing mechanisms.
• 4+ years of experience performing stress analysis using both hand calculations and finite element tools (Abaqus, Ansys, FEMAP, or similar).

• Experience with design of multi-component assemblies in CAD (NX or similar).
• Experience designing hardware that was manufactured, deployed, and iteratively improved.
• Experience designing pneumatic systems.
• Experience integrating electromechanical components such as motors or encoders.
• 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.

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
• Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

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.

• Stock:
  Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time 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…