Mechanical Engineer I

Job description

About the Role Aalo Atomics is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, build, testing, and fabrication of reactor systems and supporting infrastructure. This role is a chance to own complex mechanical hardware through the full lifecycle — concept and requirements, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning. You will work closely with controls, manufacturing and operations to manage system interfaces and outcomes. The work is hands-on: expect to split your time between CAD, the shop floor, and the test lab. The ideal candidate has solid mechanical design fundamentals paired with a demonstrated track record of real world electro-mechanical builds. Responsibilities Design mechanical components, mechanisms, and assemblies supporting advanced reactor technology, working under the direction of senior engineers. Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and interface documentation. Integrate actuators, drives, encoders, limit switches, and sensors into mechanical designs, and work with controls engineers on motion, interlock, and instrumentation requirements. Perform hand calculations and supporting structural, thermal, and mechanism analyses to size and justify designs. Build, instrument, and operate test rigs used to validate mechanisms, seals, and fluid system components. Work with machinists, welders, technicians, and vendors to get parts built and to keep designs practical and manufacturable. Develop tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and inspection plans for prototype and production hardware. Write and maintain test procedures, calculation notes, and design documentation. Travel occasionally to test sites, vendors, or the reactor installation. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. 1–3 years of hands-on engineering experience (industry, internship, co-op, or strong project equivalent). Demonstrated experience designing and building physical hardware. Proficiency with 3D CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar. Working understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and engineering drawing practice. Experience with mechanical fabrication, assembly, or electro-mechanical testing. Comfortable wiring up instrumentation and reading basic schematics. Strong mechanical intuition and a willingness to learn by doing. Comfortable working with ambiguity and a high degree of ownership. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Experience Experience integrating actuators, motors, gearboxes, encoders, or position sensors into working mechanisms. Built custom test rigs, machines, or experimental setups in school, prior jobs, or personal projects. Experience with mechanisms: linkages, latches, drives, robotic or remotely operated equipment. Experience with fluid, gas, or vacuum systems (valves, seals, plumbing, hydraulics). Familiarity with data acquisition systems and basic controls or PLC interfaces. Hands-on project experience (e.g., Formula SAE, robotics, rocketry, hardware startups, machine shop work). Welding, machining, or fabrication skills. Requirements: Based in the United States Willing to work on-site in Austin, TX What It Takes to Succeed at Aalo We're building technology that will help reshape the future of energy. The pace is fast, the problems are difficult, and the expectations are high. Successful team members consistently demonstrate: Extreme Ownership — You take responsibility for outcomes, not just tasks. You proactively identify problems, drive solutions, and follow through. A Passion for Solving Hard Problems — You are energized by challenges that others avoid and enjoy finding practical solutions to complex technical issues. A Sense of Urgency — You move quickly, make thoughtful decisions, and maintain momentum while balancing quality and execution. What We Offer: Competitive salary based on technical level Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Paid Time Off Corporate Gym Membership Additional Information: Aalo Atomics provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, intellectually challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Aalo Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Persons in compliance with 10 CFR Part 810 and may not hold non-compliant foreign citizenships. Direct applicants only. No recruiters or staffing agencies, please. About Aalo Atomics Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting-edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we’re rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world’s first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future.