Mechanisms Engineer

Radiant is an El-Segundo, CA-based clean energy startup building a nuclear microreactor. A climate-friendly alternative to diesel generators, Radiant's Kaleidos 1MW microreactor will be the world's first portable, zero-emissions power source that works anywhere. We plan to test our development reactor by 2026 and if successful, it will be the first new commercial reactor design to achieve a fueled test in over 50 years. Radiant's goal is to bring one of the world's first factory-constructed microreactors to market. Our microreactor can bring power to remote parts of the world and provide backup power for life-saving applications in hospitals or disaster-relief scenarios. 

Mechanisms Engineer 

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Mechanisms Engineer to design and develop critical mechanisms within Kaleidos. You will solve unique challenges creating efficient and reliable mechanisms that control reactivity or actuate critical safety features. You will be responsible for the following: trade studies, material selection, detailed structural analysis, assembly, integration, and testing. You will have an instrumental impact of fueling the first new commercial reactor design in over 50 years by 2026.   

Responsibilities & Duties:  

• Ownership of critical mechanisms such as the control blade actuator or air jacket valves.


• Conduct trade studies and develop designs to meet program requirements. 


• Perform detailed thermomechanical analysis (static strength, durability/fatigue) and kinematic analysis to determine structural integrity and performance margins using both hand calculations and finite element tools.


• Develop and execute manufacturing/assembly instructions and test plans.


• Create and manage a Bill-Of-Materials (BOM).


• Find and develop suppliers for components.


• Own subassembly design, manufacturing, and test schedules.


• Own risk analysis (FMEA) for subsystems.


• Collect requirements, provide expertise and feedback to engineers in other functional areas via clear, constructive communication. 

Required Qualifications & Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering.


• 2+ years of experience designing mechanisms.


• 2+ years of experience performing stress analysis using both hand calculations and finite element tools (Abaqus, Ansys, FEMAP, or similar). 

Desired Qualifications & Skills: 

• Experience with design of multi-component assemblies in CAD (NX or similar).


• Experience designing hardware that was manufactured, deployed, and iteratively improved.


• Experience designing pneumatic systems.


• Experience integrating electromechanical components such as motors or encoders.


• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.


• Solid understanding and application of GD&T.


• Proficiency with both “hand calc” analytical methods and higher fidelity finite element-based analysis methods.


• Ability to derive free-body diagrams for systems with which one was not previously familiar.


• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.


• Experience with using text-based software development tools. 

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.

Employee Benefits for Eligible Employees:

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full time, salaried 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 are offered as employee contributed benefits.


• Free snacks and drinks onsite. 


• Flexible PTO policy.

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.