We are building the nuclear fuel for all – safe, abundant, and reliable energy that powers advanced reactors, accelerates the clean energy transition, and shapes the future of humanity. We’re a next-generation nuclear fuel company pioneering isotope enrichment technologies that enable secure, scalable access to critical fuels for advanced fission and fusion systems. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, and South Africa, we are advancing toward commercial deployment – unlocking a new era of clean energy independence. Every person who joins plays a defining role in transforming how the world powers itself.

You’ll be instrumental in designing, scaling, and optimizing the core enrichment process that underpins “clients” proprietary isotope separation technology.

This is a high-impact opportunity to produce the nuclear fuel of the future – safe, abundant, and reliable energy that powers advanced reactors and accelerates the clean-energy transition – by helping establish our first U.S. site and leading technical design integration, process optimization, and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

· Systems Design & Analysis

• Lead the Mechanical Baseline: Own the design and integration of complex process systems, including ASME Section VIII pressure/vacuum vessels, ASME B31.3 process piping, and high-temperature thermal management systems.
• Process Definition: Author and maintain Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), lead pump, valve, and heat exchanger sizing calculations, and design components for assembly.
• Physics-to-Hardware Interface: Collaborate with physicists and process engineers to translate theoretical and process requirements into manufacturable hardware. You will design the mechanical infrastructure that stabilizes and houses sensitive assemblies and novel processes.
• Simulation & Validation: Direct thermal, structural, and fluid analysis (FEA/CFD) to validate designs against e.g. vacuum collapse, thermal stress, and flow requirements prior to fabrication.
• Design for Automation: Collaborate with controls teams to research and build systems designed for a fully “lights-off” operational state (e.g., integrating actuators, sensors, and remote diagnostics into mechanical hardware).

· Compliance, Quality & Safety

• “Compliance First” Engineering: Integrate regulatory codes into the design basis from day one. You will ensure systems are compliant-by-default rather than retrofitted.
• Code Proficiency: Ensure designs adhere to relevant technical codes and standards, including ASME BPVC, ASME B31.3, ICC (IBC/IFC/IMC), and NFPA.
• Hazardous Area Design: Design mechanical systems suitable for classified environments (Class I, Div 1/2), ensuring proper material selection and spark-free operation.
• Permitting support: Serve as the technical interface for state (TCEQ) and local AHJ permitting, proactively flagging code constraints during the design phase.

· Project Execution and Leadership

• Lifecycle Ownership: Manage systems from FEL-1 (Concept) through FEL-3 (Detailed Design) and into commissioning.
• Vendor & Fabrication Management: Qualify suppliers, review shop drawings/weld procedures, and lead FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and QC inspections.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior engineers in design best practices, GD&T, and root-cause troubleshooting.

About You:

· Experience: 8-10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and systems engineering, with a demonstrated portfolio of commissioned capital projects in regulated industries (Nuclear, Petrochemical, Semiconductor, Aerospace).

· Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (MS or PhD preferred).

· Technical Authority:

• Deep working knowledge of ASME BPVC Section VIII and ASME B31.3
• Proficiency in ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) for precision assemblies.
• Expertise in material selection (metallurgy/compatibility) for corrosive or high-temperature/vacuum environments, specifically handling reactive gas or halide feedstocks.

· Design Tools: Expert in 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks/Inventor/CREO) and disciplined in PDM/PLM data management.

· Builder Mindset: You are comfortable wearing PPE in a shop or field environment, can physically troubleshoot mechanical systems, and can lead root cause analyses when first-of-a-kind systems fail.

· Regulatory Fluency: Familiarity with the interface between mechanical design and safety regulations (e.g., PSM, HAZOP participation)

· Communicator: Ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary environment, effectively communicating complex engineering concepts to scientists, project managers, and technicians.

· Self-Directed: Capable of managing complex technical workstreams with minimal oversight and reporting directly to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License (Texas reciprocity eligible).
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or CFD packages (e.g. ANSYS, COMSOL, STAR-CCM+)
• Hands-on experience with High Vacuum (HV/UHV), cryogenics, or laser-optical systems, including design for aggressive/corrosive chemical environments or gaseous halide media.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or process improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) certifications are a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary aligned to global compensation bands and local market data.
• Bonus eligibility: Target % based on level and impact.
• Equity participation: Reflecting your contribution to “clients” long-term success.
• Comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for global mobility across US, UK, and SA operations.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to help build the world’s next clean energy frontier, we’d love to hear from you.

Legal & Compliance Notice:

Regulatory & Export Control Notice

Client conducts business in the nuclear technology and advanced materials sectors, which are subject to strict export control, non-proliferation, and national security regulations.

• Employment with client may require compliance with one or more of the following regulatory frameworks, depending on work location and role scope:
• United States: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
• United Kingdom: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK Strategic Export Control regulations administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
• South Africa: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Non-Proliferation Council regulations under the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

Certain positions may require “U.S. person” status (as defined by 10 CFR Part 810 or EAR Part 772) and/or the ability to obtain and maintain applicable export control authorizations or security clearances. QLE complies with all relevant national and international export control, non-proliferation, and security requirements in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law