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Subcritical Systems Inc

Mechanical Engineer - Primary Pb Loop

Subcritical Systems Inc, Austin, Texas, us, 78716

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About Subcritical Systems Inc. Subcritical Systems Inc. is a funded startup based in Austin, Texas dedicated to bringing the energy amplifier concept to the United States for safe generation of electrical power. Using a particle accelerator to sustain fission of nuclear fuel in a subcritical core, our innovative approach aims to transform energy production. The founding team is comprised of entrepreneurs with a history of building cutting‑edge technology companies and scientists from US national labs with deep experience in energy amplifier technologies. Subcritical Systems is venture‑backed and actively hiring to expand its dynamic team, work towards licensing, regulatory submissions and construction of its first energy amplifier.

About the Role We are seeking a creative and dynamic Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in a full‑time, on‑site role located in Austin, TX. In this role you will lead the design, prototyping, and procurement of the pumps, heat exchangers, and other key components of the subcritical core’s primary Pb loop. You will be responsible for the design, construction, and operation of a scaled Pb loop for testing and qualifying core components such as pumps and heat exchangers. This is an ideal role for an ambitious, creative and hard‑working engineer who wants to use their expertise to transform the energy system and in so doing change the world.

Responsibilities

Serve as an integral member of the subcritical core team responsible for designing, prototyping, and ultimately constructing the subcritical core.

Perform FEA and CFD simulations of components in the primary Pb loop to size loop components and calculate pressure drops.

Study available Pb pump options and recommend one for adoption in the baseline design.

Design, construct, and operate a scaled Pb loop to test scaled prototype Pb pumps and heat exchangers. Work with materials scientist staff to incorporate erosion and corrosion testing in the scaled Pb loop.

Work closely with the nuclear engineering team to optimize the core design from a thermal‑hydraulics standpoint.

Work with the leadership team on developing & tracking key company technical milestones, ensuring delivery of results within aggressive timelines in a complex, fast‑paced environment.

Document work in written reports, presentations, and regulatory submissions.

About You

M.S. (preferred) or B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.

Experience in pump and heat exchanger design in liquid metal systems.

Experience using CFD code(s) to model heat transfer in nuclear systems cooled by liquid metal.

Record of technical accomplishment through publications and presentations.

Strong work ethic, resilient, able to work in a fast‑paced environment, driven, passionate about the field.

Export control restrictions limit us to candidates who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (green card holders).

Pluses

Experience using STAR‑CCM+ to perform CFD simulations.

Experience using SAS4A, SIMMER, RELAP, or similar reactor accident simulation codes.

Experience performing thermal‑hydraulic simulations with heavy liquid metal coolant.

What We Offer

A high‑impact role where your work has real‑world application in addressing the nation’s energy challenges via the development of truly forward‑looking approaches and technology.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and technical expertise.

Comprehensive healthcare insurance.

The chance to work alongside world‑class entrepreneurs and well‑known scientific leaders.

An opportunity to work in a fast‑paced startup environment.

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