Head of Process Engineering

General Matter, Inc. is an American nuclear energy company based in California that is focused on developing domestic nuclear energy solutions. The company aims to harness nuclear technology to increase national energy prosperity, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, and support the expansion of American capabilities in the energy sector. Their work centers on making nuclear energy more accessible and practical by advancing technologies that can be developed and deployed within the United States. General Matter's mission is rooted in the belief that nuclear power represents a critical pathway toward a cleaner, more energy-independent future. By turning domestic nuclear potential into operational reality, the company positions itself at the intersection of national security, economic growth, and climate-conscious energy production. Their approach emphasizes building nuclear energy infrastructure that is homegrown rather than reliant on foreign supply chains or expertise. The company brings together leaders from nuclear engineering, technology, government, and finance, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to solving the complex challenges of modern nuclear energy development. As a startup operating in the green and climate technology sector, General Matter represents a new wave of private investment in nuclear energy as a viable and scalable low-carbon power source for the United States.

About the Company

General Matter is enriching uranium in America.

Our mission is to restore our country’s ability to make nuclear fuel. Our fuel will help power AI, manufacturing, and other critical industries. It will power our next generation of reactors. Ultimately, it will power our national ambitions.

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and we are backed by top tier investors. 

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability and transparency.

About This Role

We are seeking a Head of Engineering Design to build and lead the organization responsible for designing the mechanical systems and plant layout for our next-generation nuclear enrichment facility. This role blends technical leadership with organizational building, driving the development of multidisciplinary teams, engineering processes, and design standards that enable rapid execution without compromising quality. The ideal candidate thrives in highly collaborative environments, enjoys solving complex cross-functional challenges, and knows how to scale engineering organizations from concept through construction.

Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic leadership for a team of Nuclear, Chemical, Process and Mechanical Engineers, Designers, and Supply Chain Specialists, ensuring alignment with overall project goals. 

• Establish and enforce design processes, documentation standards, and configuration management practices to maintain quality and traceability across all deliverables. 

• Drive cross-disciplinary integration between process engineering, mechanical design, facilities and construction teams. 

• Oversee the development of plant systems, layouts, detailed routing and analysis, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance requirements. 

• Implement design review frameworks and ensure timely resolution of technical and schedule risks. 

• Oversee and guide the selection and procurement of plant process equipment  

• Serve as the primary interface with senior leadership, project management, and external stakeholders, providing visibility into design progress and challenges. 

• Develop and maintain resource plans, staffing strategies, and performance management systems for the design organization. 

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including workflow optimization, tool integration, and best practices for large-scale industrial design. 

• Ensure risk identification and mitigation related to design readiness, procurement timelines, and construction sequencing. 

 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred. 

• 10+ years of experience in industrial plant design, mechanical systems engineering, or related roles. 

• 5+ years of leadership experience, including managing multidisciplinary engineering teams. 

• Strong understanding of piping systems, plant layout principles, and industrial design standards. 

• Proven ability to develop and implement design processes and documentation frameworks. 

• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with experience interfacing at executive and stakeholder levels. 

 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience in nuclear, chemical, petrochemical, or other high-complexity industrial projects. 

• Familiarity with CAD tools and plant design software (e.g., AVEVA E3D, SmartPlant 3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D). 

• Knowledge of procurement processes and long-lead equipment management. 

• Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and scaling engineering organizations. 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, balancing technical rigor with schedule and cost constraints. 
  

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $170,000-$240,000 annually. 

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.