Summer 2027 Internship - Reactor Operations Engineer

RippleMatch Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Radiant, an El Segundo, CA-based startup, seeks a Summer 2027 Reactor Operations Engineer intern to bridge software and hardware-in-the-loop testing in a highly regulated, safety‑critical setting.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and refine procedures, support testing of digital twins and operator systems, and ensure DOE/NRC compliance while gaining hands-on experience in a cutting‑edge industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in managing or optimizing complex hardware and software processes for testing and operations.
• Ability to apply first principles thinking to solve problems and make decisions in uncertain or ambiguous situations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine operational procedures that integrate both software and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Bridge engineering, operations, and human factors to translate designs into clear, executable, and DOE or NRC compliant procedures.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to improve operator interfaces, procedural workflows, and software tools.
• Gain firsthand experience, ensuring procedures align with real‑world execution.
• Support testing and iterative improvements of digital twin scenarios, operator systems, and human‑machine interfaces.
• Ensure compliance with DOE and NRC standards, maintaining formatting, clarity, and usability in procedural documentation.

Skills

Hardware/Software process optimization

First principles thinking

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

UNIX

Job description

Summer 2027 Internship - Reactor Operations Engineer

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, fail‑safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 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 leags modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory‑built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Reactor Operations Engineer Internto join the team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine operational procedures that integrate both software and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.

• This role offers a rare opportunity to bridge engineering, operations, and human factors in a highly technical and regulated environment. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate complex hardware and software designs into clear, executable, and DOE or NRC compliant procedures. Your work will ensure that Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) can efficiently and safely execute test, commissioning, and operational activities.

• Collaborate closely with engineers to improve operator interfaces, procedural workflows, and software tools.

• Gain firsthand experience, ensuring procedures align with real‑world execution.

• Support testing and iterative improvements of digital twin scenarios, operator systems, and human‑machine interfaces.

• Ensure compliance with DOE and NRC standards, maintaining strict formatting, clarity, and usability in procedural documentation.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Proficiency in managing or optimizing complex hardware and software processes for testing and operations.

• Ability to apply first principles thinking to solve problems and make decisions in uncertain or ambiguous situations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands‑on experience in developing technical procedures, human factors engineering, or operational interface design.

• Proficiency in Python, UNIX, for procedure testing within the simulator environments.

• Experience with human factors and user‑centered instructions for operational workflows.

Additional Requirements:

• This internship is based 100% onsite at Radiant’s HQ in El Segundo, CA.

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.

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.