Principal Turbomachinery Engineer (Nuclear)

TL;DR

Principal Turbomachinery Engineer (Nuclear): Define and drive the mechanical architecture of high-speed rotating hardware for a 1MW closed-loop Brayton cycle power generation system with an accent on rotor dynamics, structural integrity, bearings, seals, and system integration. Focus on designing rotating assemblies operating at extreme temperatures, pressures, and speeds up to 30 krpm, performing structural and thermal analysis, and ensuring performance, reliability, and producibility.

Location: Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ, CA, USA. Unfortunately, no visa sponsorship. Subject to U.S. export controls.

Salary: $200,500 – $314,475 • Offers Equity

Company

Developer of nuclear-driven power generation systems.

What you will do

• Serve as Responsible Engineer owning mechanical design, integrity, and performance of core rotating turbomachinery assembly.
• Lead rotor dynamics, structural analysis, bearings, seals, and high-speed shafting design for assemblies up to 30 krpm.
• Define requirements, tolerances, and interfaces for turbine, compressor, and alternator integration.
• Perform detailed design, analysis, and validation including spin testing and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with aero, thermal, electrical, manufacturing, and supplier teams for seamless system integration.
• Drive technical roadmap, risk mitigation, and standards for design rigor and documentation.

Requirements

• Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ; willing to work extended hours and weekends.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related; 8+ years designing high-speed rotating machinery (turbines, compressors).
• Deep expertise in structural analysis, bearings, seals, shafting; expert in ANSYS, NX, Teamcenter.
• Strong GD&T, tolerancing, precision assembly; hands-on with design-build-test cycles.
• System-level thinking, engineering judgment, cross-functional influence without authority.
• Clear communicator; high ownership in fast-paced first-of-a-kind development.

Nice to have

• 10+ years turbomachinery experience; M.S./Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Closed-loop Brayton cycle or high-temperature materials experience.
• Prior Responsible Engineer role; scaling from prototype to production.

Culture & Benefits

• Substantial equity grants; base salary based on impact and growth.
• Comprehensive health: 100% medical/dental/vision up to top tiers + dependents; One Medical.
• 8 weeks paid parental leave; flexible PTO; daily catered lunch, snacks.
• Voluntary benefits: life, accident, FSA/HSA; company events and team bonding.
• Beautiful El Segundo HQ near Pacific Ocean.