Build Engineer

BUILD ENGINEER

As a build engineer on the mechanical engineering team, you will sit at the intersection of design and fabrication, solving case-by-case R&D manufacturing challenges for complex, highly constrained hardware. Your focus will be on manufacturing and machining methods, DFM, system assembly, and coordination with vendors and machine shops to enable the rapid production of components and subassemblies for the Ward-series nuclear reactors. 

This role is deeply hands-on and highly collaborative. You will work daily with mechanical system leads, technicians, and external partners to adapt designs, develop fabrication approaches, and assemble novel systems. You will be well-positioned to influence subsystem architecture, with a focus on manufacturability and design reliability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop manufacturing approaches for high-complexity mechanical components
• Partner closely with mechanical system leads to influence part geometry, interfaces, and architectures with a strong focus on manufacturability, assembly, and testability
• Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, and accelerate hardware production
• Diagnose and resolve build issues in real time, iterating on designs as needed to unblock progress
• Manage transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
• Work directly with external vendors and machine shops to communicate intent, review manufacturability, and solve fabrication challenges

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
• Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
• Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques and processes (ie. welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation)
• Knowledge of machining methods (ie. CNC mill, lathe, wire EDM, waterjet)
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
• Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  

Pay range:     

Build Engineer/Level I: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00/per year
Build Engineer/Level II: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year                       

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Valar Atomics.