Mechanical Engineer (Fluid Systems, Mechanisms, or Structures)

Job Description

Mechanical Engineer (Fluid Systems, Mechanisms, or Structures) | Radiant

The Tone:
This is an early career role at Radiant, located in El Segundo, CA. Radiant is developing the Kaleidos Development Unit (KDU), which is poised to be the United States’ first new fueled reactor design in over 50 years. This role directly contributes to KDU’s readiness for fueled operations by focusing on the design, assembly, and testing of critical fluid systems, mechanisms, or structural components. You will work within a cross-disciplinary team to advance this groundbreaking nuclear microreactor technology.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: El Segundo, CA
• Pay: $74000–$130000 yearly
• Team: KDU Engineering team
• Mission: Advance KDU’s readiness for fueled operations by owning projects focusing on fluid systems, mechanisms, or structures.
• Tech Stack: CAD, analysis software, lab instrumentation

What You’ll Actually Do
• Design & Analysis: Contribute to the design, analysis, and testing of KDU subsystems across fluid systems, mechanisms, or structural components.
• Project Management: Manage deliverables from initial concept through build and validation phases, with guidance from senior engineers.
• Collaboration: Collaborate effectively across various engineering disciplines to integrate designs and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Testing & Support: Provide support for system-level testing, troubleshooting, and design iteration to accelerate KDU development.
• Communication: Communicate project results through formal design reviews, technical reports, and presentations to peers and leadership.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline, completed or expected by Spring 2026. This is an early career role. Candidates must possess a strong understanding of engineering first principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, statics, dynamics, and strength of materials.
• Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience in design and build activities gained through academic projects, research, lab work, or internships.
• Skills: Proficiency with essential engineering tools such as CAD, analysis software, and lab instrumentation.
• Bonus:
• Advanced Education: Master’s (MS) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline (completed or in progress).
• Relevant Experience: Prior internship, co-op, or project-based experience specifically related to fluid systems, mechanisms, or structures.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex engineering tasks and proactively seek out necessary resources.
• Cultural Fit: Comfort working in a startup environment characterized by collaboration and a mission-driven mindset.
• Mission Alignment: Genuine excitement for Radiant’s mission to rapidly deploy nuclear microreactors to remote locations requiring abundant, clean energy.
• Domain Knowledge (Optional): Knowledge of reactor physics is helpful.