Mechanical Engineer - Steam Systems

Kindredventures; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 97,200 - 118,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Corporate Gym Membership

Job summary

Kindredventures is hiring a Test Engineer in Austin, TX. You'll build and operate test infrastructure for complex mechanical systems, collaborating closely with senior engineers.

Your hands-on role includes executing component tests, wiring sensors, and capturing data. A strong mechanical background is essential, along with a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and relevant hands-on experience.

Competitive salary begins at $108,000, along with health benefits and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on engineering experience.
• Experience with mechanical fabrication and testing.

Responsibilities

• Build, instrument, and operate test rigs for validation.
• Execute test plans on mechanical components.
• Run cycle tests and analyze failure modes.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Hands-on engineering experience

Mechanical fabrication

Instrumentation wiring

Problem-solving

Project experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Basic schematics

Job description

About Aalo Atomics

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

As a Test Engineer on the Fuel Handling System (FHS) team, you will help build and operate the test infrastructure used to validate complex mechanical systems operating in challenging environments—mechanisms, sealing systems, sodium-compatible components, and fluid systems used in fuel handling, cleaning, and storage.

Working closely with senior test and design engineers, you will own day-to-day execution of component test campaigns: building rigs, instrumenting hardware, running cycle tests, capturing data, and chasing down failure modes. You will spend most of your time in the lab with hands on hardware.

This role is a great fit for an engineer who wants to learn quickly, take ownership of real test programs, and grow into a senior test role in a fast-moving hardware environment.

Responsibilities

• Build, instrument, and operate test rigs for mechanical, thermal, and fluid system validation


• Execute test plans on components such as valves, seals, hoists, grapples, and handling mechanisms


• Wire and configure sensors (pressure, temperature, force, position, gas composition) and data acquisition systems


• Run cycle tests, characterize failure modes, and feed findings back to design engineers for rapid iteration


• Perform hands‑on fabrication, assembly, and modification of test hardware


• Support sodium exposure testing, cleaning cask development, and mechanism qualification campaigns


• Maintain clean, organized test setups and accurate, traceable test records


• Help write and refine test procedures, checklists, and as‑run logs


• Support system integration, full‑scale prototype operation, and on‑site commissioning as needed


• Travel occasionally to test sites or the reactor installation

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field


• 1–3 years of hands‑on engineering experience (industry, internship, co‑op, or strong project equivalent)


• Experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, or electro‑mechanical testing


• Comfortable wiring up instrumentation and reading basic schematics


• Strong mechanical intuition and willingness to learn by doing


• Comfortable working with ambiguity and high ownership

Preferred Experience

• Experience with fluid systems (valves, seals, gas, vacuum, hydraulics)


• Built custom test rigs or experimental setups in school, prior jobs, or personal projects


• Familiarity with instrumentation and data acquisition systems


• Exposure to high‑temperature, hazardous, or chemically aggressive environments


• Hands‑on project experience (e.g., Formula SAE, robotics, rocketry, hardware startups, machine shop work)


• Welding, machining, or fabrication skills

Physical

• Comfortable working in a hands‑on lab and factory environment


• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods


• Willingness to perform hands‑on work including assembly, plumbing, wiring, and troubleshooting

Requirements

Must be based in the United States

Must be willing to work on‑site at our headquarters in Austin, Texas

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 starting at $108,000

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Corporate Gym Membership

Candidates only. No recruiters or agencies, please.

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.