Senior Mechanical Engineer – Turbomachinery Rotordynamics

Radiant; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial incentive stock plan

Medical coverage for employee and dependents

Daily catered lunch

Flexible PTO policy

Company bonding events

Job summary

A cutting-edge energy startup in El Segundo is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and test turbomachinery for portable nuclear power systems. This role requires a strong background in rotordynamics and hands-on testing experience. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years in turbomachinery analysis and a Mechanical Engineering degree. The position offers substantial equity, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in design and analysis of turbomachinery.
• Strong understanding of rotordynamic principles and tools.
• Hands-on experience testing turbomachinery.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test turbomachinery for power generation systems.
• Perform dynamic analysis of rotor-bearing systems.
• Conduct stability assessments to optimize rotor design.

Skills

Rotordynamic principles

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

XLrotor

Dyarobes

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Turbomachinery Rotordynamics

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA‑based startup building the world’s first mass‑produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1‑megawatt failsafe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid deploy capability can replace similar‑sized diesel generators, and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development utilizes modern software engineering to rapidly achieve safe, factory‑built microreactors that leverage existing, well‑qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor next year at the Idaho National Laboratory, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated engineer to join the team responsible for the power generation and primary cooling turbomachinery of our Kaleidos product. This role involves performing the rotordynamic analysis and bearing selection of high‑speed rotating machinery including compressors, turbines, and pumps for high‑temperature applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in rotordynamics and bearing selection, along with hands‑on experience testing real hardware.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Design, build, and test turbomachinery for Radiant’s power generation systems.
• Perform dynamic analysis of rotor‑bearing systems to evaluate vibrational behavior, stability, and resonance characteristics.
• Conduct critical speed analysis, Campbell diagram analysis, and stability assessments to optimize rotor system design for minimal vibration and resonance.
• Analyze rotor response under transient operating conditions, including startup, shutdown, and off‑design operations.
• Select appropriate bearing types (e.g., rolling element, fluid film, magnetic) based on operating conditions and performance requirements. Evaluate bearing loads, life, and thermal performance.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentation materials.
• Support the build and testing of prototype, first article, and production hardware.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the design and analysis of turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of rotordynamic principles and tools (e.g., XLrotor, Dyrobes, or equivalent).
• Excellent problem‑solving, technical communication, and organizational skills.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Prior experience with power generation applications.
• Knowledge of bearing selection for high‑temperature, high‑speed applications.
• Hands‑on experience with turbomachinery testing and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (API, ASME, ISO).
• Prior nuclear experience is not required for this role.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
• Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

Total Compensation And Benefits

Radiant’s new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation is determined through a holistic evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits And Perks For Eligible Employees

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full‑time employees.
• Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
• One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
• Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
• Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
• Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
• 8‑weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
• Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
• Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
• Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and in‑person camaraderie.
• Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

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.

Unfortunately, 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.