Mechanical Engineer (PE) - Paducah

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 enriches uranium.

We are designing, building, and operating the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.  

In the process, we are restoring America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive. 

Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume.  Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.

Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable.  We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society. 

We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.  

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. 

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable. 

About This Role

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in executing a state-of-the-art enrichment facility from concept through commissioning. You will design, analyze, and ensure mechanical designs meet regulatory requirements for safety, performance, and compliance. You will have the opportunity to work on a greenfield project collaborating with structural engineers, electrical engineers, architects, and both internal and external partners to develop detailed mechanical designs and specifications. You will wear multiple hats and supporting your design work through vendor activity and troubleshooting. This is an exciting opportunity to solve complex problems at scale, manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment, and bring modern enrichment facilities online. 

Responsibilities

• Own design and analysis of mechanical systems including HVAC systems, central plant design (chillers, boilers, heat exchangers), and distribution sizing (ductwork, piping).
• Prepare design packages up to Permit level in Revit.
• Collaborate with structural, architectural, electrical, and chemical engineers to design and integrate safe and performant mechanical solutions.
• Prepare and review code-compliant designs up to permit level, create comprehensive drawing sets (Revit/AutoCAD), and produce calculations, specifications, and technical reports for design validation.
• Contribute to project concept development, feasibility studies, and scope definition, delivering mechanical solutions that meet performance, cost, and schedule goals.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or similar discipline. 
• 8+ years of industry experience. 
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Experience working with HVAC systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
• Experience in a fast-paced engineering environment or a highly technical role requiring a resourceful, entrepreneurial approach to complete tasks within tight timeframes or budget constraints.
• Working knowledge of power coordination and arc flash.
• Experience at a consulting firm.
• Computational fluids knowledge (CFD) is a plus.
• Experience developing custom details to support unique facility design conditions.
• Experience on large scale, mission critical construction projects.
• Experience with local/state code compliance.

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 $90,000–$175,000 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.