Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Piping Systems

About the Company

General Matter enriches uranium. We are designing, building, and operating the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services in the US, restoring America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing, and critical industries. Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel. Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance. Our mission is to make nuclear the cleanest, safest, and most affordable source of baseload power, leading to a post-scarcity society. Backed by top venture capital firms and incubated inside Founders Fund, our lean, world-class team applies a first-principles approach to nuclear fuel production. We foster a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency.

About the Role

General Matter is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to transform conceptual process designs into fully engineered systems for a large-scale nuclear enrichment facility. This role focuses on detailed mechanical design, including piping systems, component selection, and structural analysis, ensuring complex process architectures are realized safely and reliably. The ideal candidate combines expertise in mechanical engineering fundamentals with experience in high-hazard or industrial plant environments.

Responsibilities

• Translate P&IDs and process architecture outputs into detailed mechanical designs for piping and equipment systems.
• Perform component sizing and selection (pipes, valves, fittings, supports) based on process conditions (flow, temperature, pressure).
• Collaborate on routing plans and layouts for piping systems, ensuring efficient and maintainable configurations.
• Conduct structural and flow analysis to validate mechanical integrity and performance under operating conditions.
• Specify materials, thicknesses, and support methods to meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and procurement specifications for mechanical systems.
• Select components that meet technical requirements while considering availability and lead times, ensuring designs can be executed on schedule without compromising quality or safety.
• Collaborate with process engineers, structural engineers, and procurement teams to ensure seamless integration of designs.
• Participate in design reviews and risk assessments, providing technical justification for design decisions.
• Support installation planning and provide technical oversight during construction phases as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design for industrial plants, chemical facilities, or similar high-hazard environments.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and material selection.
• Proficiency in piping design standards (ASME, ANSI, or equivalent) and familiarity with pressure vessel codes.
• Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design and layout.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs and process documentation and translate them into detailed mechanical designs.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in nuclear, chemical, petrochemical, or gas processing facilities.
• Familiarity with stress analysis tools and piping flexibility analysis (e.g., Caesar II or similar).
• Knowledge of compressible flow, vacuum systems, and cryogenic piping design.
• Procurement experience for large-scale facilities, including vendor engagement and managing long-lead components.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, balancing technical rigor with practical constraints.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $90,000–$175,000 annually. Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, full-time hires may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.