Balance of Plant SystemsFluid SystemsThermal-Mechanical Systems
Useful technologies
AbaqusANSYSCREOFEMAPNXSolidWorks
Required qualifications
Field of studyMechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Preferred qualifications
Field of studyMechanical Engineering (or related)
Study levelMaster's
Original posting
Deploy the next generation of energy infrastructure with Applied Atomics
Applied Atomics delivers firm, clean electricity with proven technology. We design, build, and operate nuclear plants directly alongside the facilities they power. With no reactor science or new fuel to invent, we have no reason to stall. We are the first fully integrated nuclear power provider built to deploy now. Founded by a team of engineers and operators who built the launch sites, test complexes, and factories behind SpaceX, designed and commercialized nuclear reactors, and ran billion-dollar asset portfolios, the team is now focused on clean power deployment. Applied Atomics is backed by Alpaca VC, Transition, and Morpheus Ventures.
About the role:
Applied Atomics is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and build-out of the balance-of-plant systems for our first-of-a-kind (FOAK) nuclear power plant. This includes major Rankin cycle systems such as the main steam system, condensate system, feedwater system, air-cooled condenser (ACC), heat exchangers, and related thermal-mechanical equipment. This is a highly impactful, senior engineering role. You will own major fluid and thermal systems end-to-end; from concept development and analysis to detailed design, vendor engagement, procurement, integration, testing, and commissioning. This position is perfect for an engineer with deep experience designing industrial fluid systems, large-scale mechanical systems, or power-plant hardware; including those from aerospace (launch & test infrastructure), energy, oil & gas, chemical plants, turbomachinery, or thermal power backgrounds.
Why we need you
We are transitioning nuclear energy from a theoretical science into a practical reality, and that requires practical problem-solvers. We need engineers who are eager to take direct responsibility for their work and see it through to completion. Your role will be critical in transforming complex designs into safe, reliable, and operational power plants that will operate for decades to come.
What you will do
Key Responsibilities
Ownership of major balance-of-plant (BOP) systems, including but not limited to: main steam system & piping, feedwater system, condensate system, air-cooled condenser systems, heat exchangers and auxiliary systems, turbine-side thermal cycle equipment & interfaces.
Lead trade studies, concept development, and system architecture decisions to meet performance, reliability, safety, and cost targets.
Develop mechanical and physical system design concepts for BOP structures, systems, and components (SSCs).
Ensure designs comply with applicable design criteria, requirements, and system interfaces.
Support build, commissioning, and plant bring-up activities.
Create and maintain CAD.
Develop system schedules, budgets, and resource plans with company leadership.
Manage external engineering contractors or design partners as needed.
Additional Responsibilities
Take end-to-end responsibility for your projects, from initial concepts through to deployment and ongoing operations
Partner closely with our multidisciplinary team of experienced engineers to tackle complex, cross-functional challenges
Deliver high-quality work steadily and safely, ensuring every solution meets our rigorous quality standards while also for solving scalability issues in the future
Continually improve our internal engineering processes, documentation, and tools to support the team as we scale
What you bring to the table
Need to haves:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
10+ years of mechanical or fluid system design experience (7+ years w/ MS).
Strong proficiency in fluid/thermal-mechanical design and analysis, including hand calcs and FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, FEMAP, etc.).
Proficiency with CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, Creo, etc.).
Experience with mechanical process equipment design, installation, or operation.
Demonstrated experience across the full produce / system lifecycle.
Familiarity with applicable mechanical/industrial codes and standards (ASME, API, NRC, NFPA, etc.).
Ability to operate across multiple cross-functional teams.
Strong technical communication and documentation skills.
Self-starter, ownership mentality, and ability to drive tasks from concept to completion.
Nice-to-haves:
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience with steam turbine and Rankine cycle system development.
Experience in nuclear power, fossil power, oil & gas, aerospace ground systems, or large industrial plant design.
Prior FOAK (first-of-a-kind), reactor development, or first-of-a-kind industrial project experience.
BENEFITS & PERKS FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
Medical / Vision / Dental (details forthcoming).
Flexible PTO policy.
Hybrid and remote work options depending on role.
Other benefits to be announced at offer stage.
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. 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.
Remote pay range$150,000—$250,000 USD
Mechanical Engineer at Applied Atomics — BranchFactor