Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Description
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.
About the Role
As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Aalo Atomics, you will own the mechanical design of critical systems and structures within our modular nuclear reactors. You will lead design efforts from concept through detailed design, analysis, and into production — driving technical decisions, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring our reactor modules meet the highest standards of safety and performance. This is a high-ownership role for an experienced engineer ready to shape the mechanical architecture of next-generation nuclear systems.
Responsibilities
Lead the mechanical design of major reactor module subsystems, from concept through production release
Own design decisions and defend technical trade-offs to cross-functional stakeholders
Perform and direct engineering analyses (structural, thermal, fatigue, seismic) to validate designs
Develop detailed 3D models, complete with model-based definition and engineering drawings where required, with complete GD&T
Drive design reviews and ensure rigorous documentation of design rationale
Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to incorporate DFM / DFA principles
Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices for the mechanical design team
Question and refine design requirements to ensure they are necessary, clear, and achievable
Support prototype builds and testing to validate design intent, feeding lessons learned back into the design
Create and maintain design documentation, including specifications, BOMs, and interface control documents
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
7+ years of professional mechanical design experience
Expert proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
Demonstrated experience owning the full design lifecycle — concept through production
Strong command of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and drawing standards
Experience with FEA or other structural/thermal analysis tools
Proven ability to lead technical projects and make sound engineering judgments independently
Preferred Experience
Experience designing pressure vessels, structural weldments, or high-temperature mechanical systems
Working knowledge of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (Section III or Section VIII)
Experience with nuclear-relevant design standards or other highly regulated industries (AS9100, ISO13485, etc.)
Experience designing and fabricating with stainless steel, high-nickel alloys, or other high-performance materials
Track record of transitioning complex designs from prototype to production
Experience mentoring engineers or leading a small design team
Familiarity with configuration management and change control processes
Working knowledge of calculation software and use of AI
Strong communication skills to convey technical reasoning to both engineering and non-engineering audiences
Physical Requirements
Comfortable working on the factory floor alongside technicians and welders to support builds
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods
Ability to focus and operate effectively in a dynamic shop environment
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.
