Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical system engineering tasks for the development of Deep Fission’s surface facilities - from conceptual development through licensing, fabrication, construction, startup, and turnover.
• Coincides or prepares diagrams, specifications, procurement documents, and award recommendations.
• Ensures effective coordination with the other engineering disciplines to maintain alignment on technical scope.
• Advances designs rapidly in a dynamic environment, applying sound engineering judgment and calculated risk management.
• Supports interface activities between partner organizations and major subcontractors, participating in face-to-face events to create effective work and decision-making environments.
• Contributes to general design coordination events such as mechanical system design reviews and in-person design workshops.
• Promotes a proactive nuclear safety culture across office and field-based activities.
• Advocates for the Deep Fission company and its technology.
• Participates in project planning (schedule and budgeting) and is prepared to commit to delivery against the project plan.
• Provides assistance to project and construction management for mechanical system requirements, identifying issues as they arise during project execution.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in the relevant engineering discipline, including successful delivery of mechanical system designs.
• Background in regulated environments such as nuclear, aerospace, defense, utility or industrial capital projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field with a deep understanding of engineering fundamentals and modern design practices.
• Understanding of nuclear QA programs (e.g., NQA-1), and compliance documentation.
• Ability to perform in a design role supporting large design efforts with multiple interfaces and stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain communication and stakeholder engagement in a virtual and hybrid team environment.
• Ability to travel - candidate will be required to travel on a moderate basis depending on the project phase up to 20%.
• Must be a U.S. person eligible to meet DOE Export Control requirements under 10 CFR 810.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or pursuing professional registration is a plus.
• Experience with SMRs, Gen IV technologies, or first-of-a-kind nuclear reactor development.
• Demonstrated experience navigating NRC or DOE regulations. Strong understanding of nuclear QA programs (e.g., NQA-1), and compliance documentation.
• Background in nuclear construction, site development, or commissioning of safety-related systems.
• Proficiency with engineering software tools, AI-enabled platforms.

Key Competencies

• Design Acumen – Ability to make assumptions and establish design concepts based on wisdom gained from experience and education.
• Organizational – Experience on structured engineering teams functioning with other engineering disciplines, and subcontractors to support project objectives.
• Adaptability/Resilience - the capacity to adjust actions, strategies, and behaviors in response to unexpected or ambiguous situations, learning and pivoting quickly.
• Decision-Making – Balances technical rigor with business trade-offs; uses data and judgment effectively.