R&D Operations Engineer

Last Energy is a nuclear energy company that designs, builds, owns, and operates small modular reactors (SMRs) for industrial and commercial customers. The company's flagship product, the PWR-20, is a 20 MWe pressurized water reactor that is fully modular and factory-produced, enabling faster and more cost-effective deployment than traditional nuclear power plants. Last Energy serves as a behind-the-meter independent power producer, supplying reliable baseload electricity to energy-intensive industries including data centers, metals production, food and beverage, pulp and paper, chemicals, and cement manufacturing. The company's mission centers on making nuclear power radically simpler and more accessible by removing the burden of development, financing, and operations from customers through a power purchase agreement model. This approach aligns nuclear energy deployment with the urgent need for resilient, low-carbon power, particularly as demand from AI infrastructure and industrial growth accelerates. Last Energy's use of proven reactor technology combined with proprietary steel containment systems is designed to streamline licensing and reduce construction timelines. Last Energy represents a new generation of nuclear developers focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors with firm, emissions-free power. By standardizing and modularizing the entire plant through factory manufacturing, the company aims to bring predictable costs and schedules to a sector historically challenged by both, positioning SMRs as a practical climate solution at commercial scale.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of rapid prototyping and R&D manufacturing operations, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, high-precision components.

Develop, program, and optimize complex parts using CAD/CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion 360) and G-code for a wide array of precision machinery, including multi-axis CNC mills and lathes.

Design and fabricate mechanical components, fixtures, and tooling, applying robust principles of Mechanical Engineering, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

Specify, procure, and manage the maintenance, calibration, and operational readiness of all shop equipment, including CNC machines, manual lathes, welders, laser cutters, and metrology instruments.

Collaborate closely with R&D and Engineering teams to transition component designs from concept to manufacturable prototypes, providing expert guidance on material selection, fabrication methods, and process refinement.

Establish and enforce rigorous safety protocols, quality control standards, and shop best practices to maintain a clean, organized, and safe world-class R&D manufacturing environment.

Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis for manufacturing process deviations or equipment issues, implementing effective, long-term solutions.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent demonstrated practical experience in a high-precision R&D/prototyping environment.

Must have 3+ years of professional, hands-on experience in advanced CNC programming and precision machining.

Expertise in applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 standards is required.

Proven expertise in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting a wide array of fabrication equipment (e.g., multi-axis CNC, manual machines, TIG/MIG welding, laser cutting).

Strong foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and material science.

Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360) for both design and tooling.

Demonstrated experience in a leadership or managerial capacity for a machine shop, R&D lab, or similar technical operation is highly desirable.

Strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead projects and personnel in a dynamic R&D setting.

Legally authorized to work in the United States.