Mechanical Engineer I

Aalo Atomic; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Aalo Atomics in Austin, TX is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to design, build, test, and fabricate reactor systems. You will own mechanical hardware through the full lifecycle—from concept to commissioning—and collaborate with controls, manufacturing, and operations to ensure robust interfaces.

The role is hands-on, split between CAD, shop floor, and lab work. The ideal candidate has solid mechanical design fundamentals and a track record of real-world electro‑mechanical builds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on engineering experience with physical hardware.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD platforms (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and drawings.
• Working understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups.
• Experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, or electro‑mechanical testing.
• Wiring up instrumentation and reading schematics.
• Strong mechanical intuition and willingness to learn by doing.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and take ownership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, mechanisms, and assemblies for reactor tech.
• Develop 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and interface docs.
• Integrate actuators, drives, encoders, sensors, and related systems.
• Perform hand calculations and structural/thermal analyses.
• Build and instrument test rigs to validate mechanisms and seals.
• Collaborate with machinists, welders, technicians, and vendors.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and inspection plans for prototype hardware.
• Write test procedures and design documentation.
• Occasional travel to test sites or vendors.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Physical hardware design

3D CAD (SolidWorks/NX/Creo)

GD&T and drawings

Mechanical fabrication

Instrumentation wiring

Mechanical intuition

Ambiguity tolerance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting‑edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we’re rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world’s first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future.

About the Role

Aalo Atomics is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, build, testing, and fabrication of reactor systems and supporting infrastructure. This role is a chance to own complex mechanical hardware through the full lifecycle — concept and requirements, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning. You will work closely with controls, manufacturing and operations to manage system interfaces and outcomes.

The work is hands‑on: expect to split your time between CAD, the shop floor, and the test lab. The ideal candidate has solid mechanical design fundamentals paired with a demonstrated track record of real world electro‑mechanical builds.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, mechanisms, and assemblies supporting advanced reactor technology, working under the direction of senior engineers.
• Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and interface documentation.
• Integrate actuators, drives, encoders, limit switches, and sensors into mechanical designs, and work with controls engineers on motion, interlock, and instrumentation requirements.
• Perform hand calculations and supporting structural, thermal, and mechanism analyses to size and justify designs.
• Build, instrument, and operate test rigs used to validate mechanisms, seals, and fluid system components.
• Work with machinists, welders, technicians, and vendors to get parts built and to keep designs practical and manufacturable.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and inspection plans for prototype and production hardware.
• Write and maintain test procedures, calculation notes, and design documentation.
• Travel occasionally to test sites, vendors, or the reactor installation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of hands‑on engineering experience (industry, internship, co‑op, or strong project equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience designing and building physical hardware.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar.
• Working understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack‑ups, and engineering drawing practice.
• Experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, or electro‑mechanical testing.
• Comfortable wiring up instrumentation and reading basic schematics.
• Strong mechanical intuition and a willingness to learn by doing.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and a high degree of ownership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience integrating actuators, motors, gearboxes, encoders, or position sensors into working mechanisms.
• Built custom test rigs, machines, or experimental setups in school, prior jobs, or personal projects.
• Experience with mechanisms: linkages, latches, drives, robotic or remotely operated equipment.
• Experience with fluid, gas, or vacuum systems (valves, seals, plumbing, hydraulics).
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and basic controls or PLC interfaces.
• Hands‑on project experience (e.g., Formula SAE, robotics, rocketry, hardware startups, machine shop work).
• Welding, machining, or fabrication skills.

Requirements:

• Based in the United States
• Willing to work on‑sitein Austin, TX

What It Takes to Succeed at Aalo

Extreme Ownership

You take responsibility for outcomes, not just tasks. You proactively identify problems, drive solutions, and follow through.

A Passion for Solving Hard Problems

You are energized by challenges that others avoid and enjoy finding practical solutions to complex technical issues.

A Sense of Urgency

You move quickly, make thoughtful decisions, and maintain momentum while balancing quality and execution.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on technical level
• Paid Time Off

Additional Information:

Aalo Atomics provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, intellectually challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Aalo Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Persons in compliance with 10 CFR Part 810 and may not hold non‑compliant foreign citizenships.

Direct applicants only. No recruiters or staffing agencies, please.