Senior Mechanical Engineer - Machine Design

Location: Austin, TX

Department: Engineering

About the role:

As a Mechanical Engineer on the Fuel Handling System (FHS) team, you will design and build the core machinery that enables safe, reliable refueling and fuel processing for a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor. This includes complex electromechanical systems such as sealed handling machines, hoist and grapple mechanisms, shielding structures, valve and sealing systems, and sodium-compatible components.

You will own subsystems end-to-end—from early concept and trade studies through detailed design, fabrication, testing, and commissioning. This is a highly hands-on role working directly alongside technicians and manufacturing engineers in a co-located design and fabrication environment.

The systems you design will operate in extreme environments (radiation, high temperature sodium, inert gas) and must achieve high reliability with minimal operational complexity. You will be expected to move quickly, challenge assumptions, and iterate through testing.

Responsibilities:

• Own the design and delivery of mechanical subsystems within the fuel handling system
• Design mechanisms including hoists, grippers, turret systems, and handling interfaces for fuel assemblies
• Develop robust sealing solutions for sodium-tolerant, air-tight systems and plug interfaces
• Design structures and shielding systems to safely contain and transport radioactive material
• Work closely with manufacturing to ensure designs are buildable, testable, and scalable
• Lead hands-on prototyping, fabrication, and system integration efforts
• Develop and execute test plans to validate performance in realistic environments (thermal, sodium exposure, inert gas, etc.)
• Iterate rapidly based on test data and operational feedback
• Collaborate across disciplines (nuclear, thermal, controls) to integrate full system functionality
• Support installation, commissioning, and field operations (including some travel)

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 6+ years of experience designing mechanical systems
• Strong experience with mechanisms, structures, and/or sealing systems
• Proven track record of taking hardware from concept through build and test
• Comfortable working hands-on in a fast-paced, hardware-focused environment

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with high-temperature or chemically aggressive environments (e.g., sodium, vacuum, inert gas systems)
• Design of valves, seals, bellows, or pressure boundaries
• Experience with cranes, hoists, or precision handling mechanisms
• Background in fluid systems (hydraulics, gas handling, or high-pressure systems)
• Exposure to nuclear, aerospace, or other high-reliability industries
• Experience working closely with fabrication teams (machining, welding, assembly)
• Participation in hands-on engineering projects (e.g., robotics, race teams, hardware startups)

Physical:

• Comfortable working on the factory floor alongside technicians and welders
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Physical dexterity required for hands-on prototyping and assembly work

Requirements: 

• Based in the United States
• Willing to work on-site in Austin, TX

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary starting at $130,000
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Corporate Gym Membership

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.

About the Company

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.