Mechanical Engineer - Nuclear Remote Handling

Subcritical Systems Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare insurance

Startup environment

Collaborative team

Job summary

Subcritical Systems Inc. in Austin, TX, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, prototyping, and procurement of remote handling and maintenance systems for the Energy Amplifier’s molten Pb‑cooled subcritical assembly.

The role focuses on serviceability, from inspection and component replacement to long‑term maintenance and decommissioning in a fast‑paced startup environment. Applicants should have advanced mechanical engineering credentials and hands‑on design experience for high-hazard

Qualifications

• Experience in conceptual or early‑phase mechanical design of complex systems.
• Exposure to remote handling and maintainability engineering in hazardous environments.
• Proven record of technical accomplishment through publications/presentations.
• Able to thrive in a fast‑paced startup setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, prototyping, and procurement of remote handling and maintenance systems for a Pb‑cooled subcritical assembly.
• Define maintenance philosophies and access strategies (in‑vessel, ex‑vessel, modular replacement).
• Balance safety, operability, and cost while meeting aggressive timelines.
• Engage with vendors, national labs, and research partners; contribute to licensing discussions.

Skills

Conceptual/mechanical design

Remote handling experience

Maintainability engineering

Publications/presentations

Fast-paced environment

Education

MS or BS in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and procurement of the Remote Handling Systems for the subcritical assembly of an Energy Amplifier.

About Subcritical Systems Inc.

Subcritical Systems Inc. is a funded 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 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 venture‑backed and actively hiring to expand its dynamic team, working towards licensing, regulatory submissions and construction of its first energy amplifier.

About the Role

We are seeking a creative and dynamic Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in a full‑time, on‑site role located in Austin, TX. In this role you will lead the design, prototyping, and procurement of the remote handling and maintenance of the Energy Amplifier’s molten‑Pb‑cooled subcritical assembly, with a focus on defining how the reactor will be serviced, from inspection and component replacement to long‑term maintenance and decommissioning. This is an ideal role for an ambitious, creative and hard‑working engineer who wants to use their expertise to transform the energy system and in so doing change the world. We cannot accept candidates who require visas/sponsorship at this time.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an integral member of the subcritical assembly team responsible for designing, prototyping, and ultimately constructing the subcritical core.
• Develop and assess concepts for remote handling, inspection, and maintenance systems for a Pb‑cooled subcritical assembly, to include fresh fuel insertion into and spent fuel removal from deep within a molten Pb pool.
• Define maintenance philosophies and access strategies (in‑vessel, ex‑vessel, modular replacement, tooling approaches).
• Break down maintenance operations into functional tasks and propose remote, automated, or semi‑remote solutions.
• Identify and manage design constraints related to high radiation, high temperature, Pb coolant, corrosion, contamination, and limited access.
• Lead trade studies to balance safety, simplicity, operability, cost, and schedule.
• Engage with vendors, national labs, or research partners as needed.
• Work with the leadership team on developing & tracking key company technical milestones, ensuring delivery of results within aggressive timelines in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
• Contribute to discussions around licensing strategy, ALARA, and operational safety, especially as they relate to maintainability.
• Document work in written reports, presentations, and regulatory submissions.

About You

• M.S. (preferred) or B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.
• Experience with conceptual or early‑phase mechanical design of complex systems.
• Exposure to remote handling and maintainability engineering in hazardous or constrained environments.
• Record of technical accomplishment through publications and presentations.
• Strong work ethic, resilient, able to work in a fast‑paced environment, driven, passionate about the field.

Pluses

• Experience in nuclear, fusion, hot‑cell operations, aerospace, defense, or other high‑hazard industries.
• Familiarity with liquid metal systems (Pb, PbBi, or Na), high‑temperature components, or corrosive environments.
• Understanding of radiation‑aware design, shielding considerations, and contamination control.
• Experience contributing to first‑of‑a‑kind systems or technology development programs.
• Comfort working in small teams with high individual ownership.

What We Offer

• A high‑impact role where your work has real‑world application in addressing the nation’s energy challenges via the development of truly forward‑looking approaches and technology.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and technical expertise.
• Comprehensive healthcare insurance.
• The chance to work alongside world‑class entrepreneurs and well‑known scientific leaders.
• An opportunity to work in a fast‑paced startup environment.