2027 New Graduate - Reactor Operations Engineer

About the role

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA‑based startup building the world’s first mass‑produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1‑megawatt, fail‑safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid‑deploy capability can replace similar‑sized diesel generators and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory‑built microreactors using existing, well‑qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028. Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Reactor Operations Engineer to join the team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine operational procedures that integrate both software and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate complex hardware and software designs into clear, executable, DOE or NRC compliant procedures.
• Ensure Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) can efficiently and safely execute test, commissioning, and operational activities.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to improve operator interfaces, procedural workflows, and software tools.
• Gain firsthand experience, ensuring procedures align with real‑world execution.
• Support testing and iterative improvements of digital twin scenarios, operator systems, and human‑machine interfaces.
• Ensure compliance with DOE and NRC standards, maintaining strict formatting, clarity, and usability in procedural documentation.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Graduating in December 2026 or Spring 2027.
• Proficiency in managing or optimizing complex hardware and software processes for testing and operations.
• Ability to apply first‑principles thinking to solve problems and make decisions in uncertain or ambiguous situations.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience in developing technical procedures, human factors engineering, or operational interface design.
• Proficiency in Python, UNIX, for procedure testing within the simulator environments.
• Experience with human factors and user‑centered instructions for operational workflows.

Benefits

• Substantial incentive stock plan for all full‑time employees.
• Medical: 100 % up to base silver level plan for employee + 50 % for dependents, with options 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/HSA offered as employee‑contributed benefits.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave for all parents; additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
• Daily catered lunch, free snacks and drinks.
• Flexible PTO policy and remote‑workday allocation.
• Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and in‑person camaraderie.
• Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

Pay

Compensation Range: $105,000 – $130,000.

Radiant’s new‑hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.