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Lead Engineer - Surface Mechanical Handling Design

Remote - US

Deep Fission is seeking a Lead Engineer - Surface Mechanical Handling Design. This person will lead the design for nuclear mechanical handling in the areas of reactor assembly, fueling, movement and well insertion for the reactor pilot project. 

The ideal candidate will bring expertise in nuclear mechanical handling design, construction, interdisciplinary interface and technical subcontract management.  This role requires comfort operating in first-of-a-kind environments where precedent is limited, requirements evolve, and creative problem-solving is essential. The Lead Engineer - Surface Mechanical Handling Design will serve as a leader by coordinating alignment between multiple engineering disciplines, construction, procurement and licensing. 

Key Responsibilities

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

 

Skills & Experiences

Required Skills & Experience

  • 7+ years of experience in the relevant engineering discipline, including successful delivery of Mechanical Handling designs. 
  • Background in regulated environments such as nuclear, aerospace, defense, 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. 
  • Proven ability to perform in a senior design role leading, or coordinating 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 approximately 10% of the year and depending on the project phase. 
  • Must be a U.S. person eligible to meet DOE Export Control requirements under 10 CFR 810 

Desired Skills & Experience: 

  • 10+ years of experience in the relevant engineering discipline, including successful delivery of Mechanical Handling designs. 
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) 
  • 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. 
  • Advanced degree (MS or MBA) in Engineering or other technical field. 
  • Background in nuclear construction, site development, or commissioning of safety-related systems. 
  • Proficiency with engineering software tools and AI-enabled platforms. 
  • Experience in startup or innovation-driven organizations. 

 

Key Competencies

  • Design Acumen – Ability to make assumptions and establish design concepts based on wisdom gained from experience and education. 
  • Organizational – Experience with building engineering teams functioning with other engineering disciplines, and subcontractors to support project objectives. 
  • Subcontractor Management – Ability to achieve engineering objectives utilizing subcontracted services.  
  • 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. 

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