Subcritical Systems Inc · 6 hours ago
Mechanical Enginer - Nuclear Remote Handling
United States
Full-time
Remote
Mid LevelSubcritical 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. The Mechanical Engineer will lead the design and procurement of Remote Handling Systems for the Energy Amplifier’s molten-Pb-cooled subcritical assembly, focusing on maintenance and servicing strategies.
Utilities
No H1B
Hiring Manager
Stuart Henderson
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Comprehensive healthcare insurance.
Company
Subcritical Systems Inc
Subcritical Systems is a startup in Austin, Texas bringing the energy amplifier concept to the US to safely generate electrical power.
Founded in 2024
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase