Mechanical Engineer- Fabrication

ABOUT SUBCRITICAL SYSTEMS

Subcritical Systems, Inc. is a venture-backed startup in Austin, Texas building the accelerator driven systems and the only US commercial manufacturer of accelerator cavities. What Space X did for rockets, we plan to do for accelerator cavities and commercialize across applications of power production, medical isotopes, semiconductors and waste transmutation.

We are in the process of building the Energy Amplifier, a novel nuclear fission system in which a particle accelerator drives a subcritical core, making meltdown physically impossible for clean power production. Due to its inherent safety, our system has a more streamlined licensing process. Our founding team includes successful entrepreneurs with a track record of building several multibillion dollar companies in deep-tech, and scientists who were leading U.S. national labs with deep experience in accelerator & nuclear technologies.

We are actively hiring to expand our team as we work toward licensing, regulatory submissions, and construction of our first energy amplifier. More information is available at subcritical.com.

ROLE SUMMARY

This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role building next-generation nuclear energy systems. You'll translate complex designs into producible hardware; superconducting cavities, pressure vessels, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers. You will work directly with scientists and engineers to define manufacturing plans and deliver components that often can't be sourced anywhere else.

The role spans in-house fabrication and outside shops: developing subcontractors, building out SSI's own fabrication facility, and acting as technical representative on major procurements from RFP through final acceptance. Deep hands-on knowledge of machining, welding, precision fabrication, and GD&T is essential; as is the ability to anticipate how fabrication choices affect the finished part.

It suits an experienced manufacturing engineer who is equally at home on the shop floor and in a design review, with a bias for action and the judgment to coordinate across engineers, trades, and vendors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Planning & Fabrication

• Work with scientists, designers, and engineers to define manufacturing plans, translating design intent into producible parts with clear fabrication specifications.
• Develop and collaborate with subcontractors performing fabrications to meet SSI’s requirements.
• Build SSI’s fabrication facility to produce state-of-the-art hardware unavailable elsewhere.

Engineering Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Perform engineering analyses of fabrication technique impacts on the finished product.
• Stay current with advancements in fabrication technology and materials, applying new knowledge to continuously improve SSI’s production capabilities and processes.

Design & CAD

• Work with design staff to generate and modify components and assemblies in a 3D CAD tool using Siemens NX.

Procurement & Fabrication Support

• Initiate and support procurement and fabrication of small and large-scale complex components and assemblies. Act as Technical Representative for major procurements:

a. Generate pre-solicitation technical and funding documents.

b. Review and approve submittals and contractor changes.

c. Define inspection requirements; perform/witness inspections and tests.

d. Provide approval of final products and/or services.

Safety

• Perform all job functions in a safe and responsible manner and encourage the same in fellow employees. Take a proactive view of safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong working knowledge of materials, manufacturing practices, and GD&T.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal, and precision machining.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, P&ID, weld, and fabrication drawings, and to produce clean engineering documentation independently.
• Bias for action and ability to coordinate effectively across engineers, scientists, trades, vendors, and executives.

BENEFITS

We offer health, dental, and vision insurance.

LOCATION & WORK POLICY

This role is fully in person in Austin, Texas. Our facility is located next to Austin Airport.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply on LinkedIn or submit your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@subcritical.com with the subject line "Mechanical Engineer: Fabrication - Application". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.