Radiant is a clean energy startup building a nuclear microreactor. A climate-friendly alternative to diesel generators, Radiant's Kaleidos 1MW microreactor will be the world's first portable, zero-emissions power source that works anywhere. We plan to test our development reactor by 2026 and if successful, it will be the first new commercial reactor design to achieve a fueled test in over 50 years. Our microreactor can bring power to remote parts of the world and provide backup power for life-saving applications in hospitals or disaster-relief scenarios.
Radiant is an El-Segundo, CA-based clean energy startup building a nuclear microreactor. A climate-friendly alternative to diesel generators, Radiant's Kaleidos 1MW microreactor will be the world's first portable, zero-emissions power source that works anywhere. We plan to test our development reactor by 2026 and if successful, it will be the first new commercial reactor design to achieve a fueled test in over 50 years. Radiant's goal is to bring one of the world's first factory-constructed microreactors to market. Our microreactor can bring power to remote parts of the world and provide backup power for life-saving applications in hospitals or disaster-relief scenarios.
Senior Turbomachinery Engineer
Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Turbomachinery Engineer to join our engineering team to own the power generation and/or primary cooling turbomachinery of our Kaleidos product. This role involves performing the mechanical design and analysis of high-speed rotating machinery including compressors, turbines, and pumps for high-temperature applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical design, structural and thermal finite element analysis (FEA), rotordynamic simulations, and bearing selection and integration, along with hands-on experience building physical hardware.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Full ownership of machinery, from architecture down-selection to mass-production design.
- Develop detailed mechanical designs for turbomachinery components, including rotors, stators, housings, and seals.
- Perform static and dynamic structural analyses using FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent) to assess stresses, deformations, and fatigue life.
- Conduct thermal analysis to evaluate temperature distributions and thermal stresses under transient and steady-state conditions.
- Perform rotordynamic modeling and analysis to evaluate critical speeds, mode shapes, unbalance response, and stability.
- Select appropriate bearing types (e.g., rolling element, fluid film, magnetic) based on operating conditions and performance requirements. Evaluate bearing loads, life, and thermal performance.
- Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentation materials.
- Oversee the build and testing of prototype, first article, and production hardware.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in the design and analysis of turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or mechanisms.
- Proficiency in CAD and FEA tools (SolidWorks, ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.), including knowledge of GD&T.
- Excellent problem-solving, technical communication, and organizational skills.
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
- Prior experience with supercritical CO2 applications.
- Strong understanding of rotordynamic principles and tools (e.g., XLrotor, DyRoBeS, or equivalent).
- Knowledge of material selection for high-temperature, high-speed applications.
- Hands-on experience with turbomachinery testing and instrumentation.
- Experience translating broad machinery requirements (power, speed, bearing leakage) into a conceptual design, including wheel and shaft design, as well as bearing and alternator selection.
- Familiarity with AC power generation and power electronics.
- Familiarity with relevant industry standards (API, ASME, ISO).
- Basic programming knowledge (e.g. Python, C++, or equivalent)
- Prior nuclear experience is not required for this role.
Additional Requirements
- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
- Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
Employee Benefits for Eligible Employees:
- Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full time, salaried employees.
- Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
- One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
- Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
- Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
- Voluntary Life, Accident, Hospital, Critical Illness, Commuter and FSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
- Free snacks and drinks onsite.
- Flexible PTO policy.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.