Engineering Test Manager

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Life insurance

Company 401(k) plan with 5% match

Unlimited PTO with holidays and paid p

Parental leave

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a hands-on Test Engineer to lead planning, execution and continuous improvement of complex safety-critical testing programs. You will design experiments, oversee test strategies, and ensure tests are conducted safely and with high quality, partnering with cross-functional engineering teams.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership, thrives in regulated environments, and works directly with hardware, instrumentation and test equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience designing experiments and test plans in complex, safety-critical environments.
• Ability to interpret data, solve technical challenges, and drive projects from concept to execution.
• Familiarity with hardware, instrumentation, and integrated test equipment in regulated settings.

Responsibilities

• Owns and manages the engineering test facility, including setup, operation, and daily oversight.
• Designs, modifies, and executes test plans and experimental setups with approvals and documentation.
• Supports engineering decisions through rigorous testing and clear communication of results.
• Leads test design reviews, proposals, and supporting paperwork.
• Manages test equipment, fixtures, parts, and materials; ensures safety and quality compliance.
• Coordinates for ELS/EHS compliance and maintains paperwork.

Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core Battery Reactor - advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure, the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution and continuous improvement of complex testing programs for safety-critical systems. This role is responsible for designing and overseeing test strategies, ensuring testing is executed safely, consistently and in compliance with quality standards, while partnering closely with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver reliable, high-quality results.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership experience, bringing the ability to design experiments, interpret data, solve complex technical challenges, and drive projects from concept through execution. This individual thrives in highly regulated environments, understands quality assurance principles, and is comfortable working directly with hardware, instrumentation and integrated test equipment.

Candidates with experience in aerospace, defense, space, chemical processing, industrial systems, or other heavy industrial environments are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience in pharmaceutical environments will be considered when it includes large-scale, safety critical equipment testing rather than laboratory or formulation work.

Responsibilities

• This role is a hands‑on Engineering Test Manager responsible for owning and managing the engineering test facility, including setup, operation, and daily oversight.
• The facility currently consists of an empty warehouse and will be equipped over the coming months. The individual will take full ownership of testing operations and play a critical role in supporting engineering decision‑making through high‑quality, well‑documented test execution.
• Design, modify, and execute test plans and experimental setups, including gaining approvals and ensuring proper documentation.
• Support engineering decisions through rigorous testing and clear communication of results.
• Lead and review test design reviews, proposals, and supporting paperwork.
• Manage and maintain test equipment, fixtures, parts, and materials.
• Ensure testing is executed safely, repeatably, and in compliance with quality standards.
• Manage paperwork and coordination for ELS/EHS compliance.

Qualifications

What We Offer

• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.