Structural & Thermal Analyst - Turbomachinery

Join our team at Radiant Industries as a Structural & Thermal Analyst - Turbomachinery. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the structural, thermal, and mechanical performance of high-speed rotating machinery, including compressors, turbines, and pumps utilized in our power generation and primary cooling systems.You will collaborate with mechanical design…

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Analyst, where you will leverage your expertise in thermal analysis to contribute to innovative projects. In this role, you will be responsible for assessing thermal performance and ensuring optimal design solutions for our cutting-edge products.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Modeling Analyst and leverage your expertise in thermal systems to drive innovation and excellence. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for conducting advanced thermal modeling analyses, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and enhance thermal solutions, and ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of performance and efficiency.

Join us at Radiant Industries as a Build Engineer specializing in turbomachinery, where you'll transform innovative designs into high-speed rotating hardware. This hands-on position is perfect for recent graduates or early-career engineers eager to dive into the assembly and integration of complex turbomachinery systems. You will collaborate closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams, preparing hardware for first-article testing and system validation.This role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience with cutting-edge, high-speed, high-temperature rotating machinery while contributing to a groundbreaking nuclear microreactor program.

Role overview Radiant Industries is hiring a Principal Turbomachinery Engineer to act as the Responsible Engineer for advanced turbomachinery within a nuclear-driven power generation system. The focus is on the mechanical design, reliability, and performance of the main rotating assembly in a 1MW closed-loop Brayton cycle. This position requires deep technical ownership of complex, high-speed rotating equipment. What you will do Lead the mechanical architecture for high-speed rotating equipment that operates under extreme temperatures, pressures, and rotational speeds. Guide technical work in rotor dynamics, structural integrity, bearings, seals, and system integration. Collaborate with electrical, thermal, and manufacturing teams to ensure integration across disciplines. Maintain end-to-end responsibility from concept through production, emphasizing technical rigor and sound engineering judgment. Requirements Extensive experience designing and analyzing turbomachinery, with a focus on high-speed rotating hardware. Strong knowledge of rotor dynamics, structural assessment, bearing and seal selection, and system-level integration. Hands-on approach with a track record of delivering production-ready hardware. Ability to work effectively with specialists in electrical, thermal, and manufacturing engineering. Location This position is based in El Segundo, CA.

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Turbomachinery RotordynamicsRadiant Industries is on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our innovative team. This pivotal role focuses on the power generation and primary cooling turbomachinery linked to our advanced Kaleidos product. As a key contributor, you will conduct thorough rotordynamic analyses and select appropriate bearings for high-speed rotating machinery, which includes compressors, turbines, and pumps designed for high-temperature applications. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in rotordynamics and bearing selection, complemented by practical experience in hardware testing.Responsibilities:Design, construct, and evaluate turbomachinery for Radiant’s power generation systems.Conduct dynamic analyses of rotor-bearing systems to assess vibrational behavior, stability, and resonance attributes.Perform critical speed and Campbell diagram analyses, alongside stability assessments, to enhance rotor system designs for reduced vibration and resonance.Examine rotor response during transient operating conditions, including startups, shutdowns, and off-design operations.Select suitable bearing types (e.g., rolling element, fluid film, magnetic) based on operating conditions and performance needs. Assess bearing loads, lifespan, and thermal efficiency.Compile technical reports, design documentation, and presentation materials.Assist in the assembly and testing of prototypes, initial articles, and production hardware.Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.A minimum of 5 years’ experience in designing and analyzing turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or mechanisms.Solid grasp of rotordynamic principles and relevant tools (e.g., XLrotor, Dyrobes, or equivalent).Exceptional problem-solving, technical communication, and organizational skills.Desired Qualifications:Experience in power generation applications.Expertise in bearing selection for high-temperature, high-speed applications.Practical experience with turbomachinery testing and instrumentation.

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is pioneering the advancement of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to dependable and cost-effective reentry capsules.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to enhanced fiber optics, a myriad of products utilized on Earth today can only be produced in space. Varda is driving innovation in the orbital economy by establishing both the products and infrastructure required for space to directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic horizons of humanity.Our team is exceptionally equipped to achieve this objective, with leadership and personnel comprising veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, leading pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda is supported by esteemed investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda's headquarters is located in El Segundo, California, where we operate offices and a production facility for building, integrating, and testing our vehicles, equipment, and materials. Additionally, Varda has offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda and contribute to the creation of a thriving in-space ecosystem.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in developing innovative thermal solutions for our cutting-edge projects. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists to enhance product performance through advanced thermal management techniques.

About Matter IntelligenceMatter Intelligence is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge airborne and spaceborne sensing systems that integrate precision optics, innovative thermal architectures, spacecraft engineering, and AI-enhanced data analysis. Our advanced systems function effectively in challenging orbital and airborne environments, unlocking new possibilities for Earth observation capabilities.With a proven track record of delivering technologies to Mars for NASA/JPL, designing advanced sensors for U.S. defense, and establishing core infrastructure at OpenAI, our team is now focused on creating the next generation of sensing systems for both space and airborne applications.About the RoleWe are looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer who will take charge of the thermal architecture, analysis, and verification of our precision optical payloads and spacecraft systems. This role encompasses ownership of thermal performance from the initial concept stage through integration, testing, and, where applicable, on-orbit operations.You will be responsible for developing and maintaining intricate thermal models, steering thermal trade studies, supporting STOP performance, and collaborating closely with systems, optomechanical, electronics, and AI & T teams to ensure that flight hardware meets all performance requirements throughout every mission phase.This is a hands-on, analytical, and leadership-focused role suited for an engineer seeking significant technical ownership over hardware that operates in flight.Key ResponsibilitiesThermal Architecture & DesignDefine and lead the thermal architecture for optical payloads and spacecraft subsystems.Design both passive and active thermal control solutions, including radiators, heat pipes, thermal straps, insulation, and cryogenic interfaces.Translate mission-level thermal requirements into subsystem- and component-level designs.Support thermal trades to effectively balance performance, mass, power, and complexity.Thermal Modeling & AnalysisDevelop, maintain, and correlate detailed thermal models using industry-standard tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).Conduct steady-state and transient thermal analyses across all mission phases (launch, ascent, on-orbit hot/cold cases, safe modes).Perform in-depth thermal analysis of precision optical elements (mirrors, mounts, focal plane assemblies), including thermo-elastic distortion.Execute thermal assessments at the circuit card and chassis level.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer to join our dynamic team at Radiant Industries. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing thermal-hydraulic systems to enhance our product offerings. Your expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our engineering solutions.As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative designs, conduct simulations, and perform experiments. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to take on new challenges, we invite you to apply!

About VardaPioneering the Future of Low Earth Orbit. Varda is at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical production to efficient and cost-effective reentry capsules.Our innovations include a variety of products, from life-saving pharmaceuticals to advanced fiber optics, all of which can only be developed in space. Varda is committed to driving progress in the orbital economy by establishing the necessary products and infrastructure to ensure that space can directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic horizons of humanity.Our exceptional team is composed of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major pharmaceutical firms, along with experts from Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda has garnered significant support from prestigious investors, including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, we operate a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are designed, integrated, and tested. Additionally, we have offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda and contribute to building a thriving ecosystem in space.About This RoleThe Thermal Engineer will be responsible for conducting thermal analysis and ensuring optimal thermal performance of our spacecraft systems.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Modeling Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in developing advanced thermal models for innovative products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure thermal performance meets design specifications. Your expertise will contribute to our mission of delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance user experience.

Join Vardaspace as a Thermal Hardware Engineer specializing in Passive & Active Control Systems. In this role, you will be at the forefront of innovative thermal management solutions, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, develop, and test thermal hardware components that meet rigorous performance standards.

Join VardaSpace as a Structures Engineer, where you will be at the forefront of innovative aerospace engineering solutions. You will work on the design, analysis, and testing of structural components for our cutting-edge spacecraft, contributing to projects that aim to revolutionize the space industry.

Important Notice: In accordance with U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, conditional residents, asylees, refugees, or eligible for required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.At CesiumAstro, we are at the forefront of innovative communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and various aerospace platforms. Our vibrant and collaborative work environment fosters learning, growth, and engagement across all levels of our organization. If you seek a dynamic, hands-on, and autonomous work culture, CesiumAstro is the right choice for you.We are eager to welcome a Senior Thermal Engineer I to our expanding team. If you excel in your craft, thrive in a startup setting, and are passionate about pioneering hardware for satellites and aerospace systems, we invite you to apply.In this role, you will take charge of designing, analyzing, and validating thermal control systems for Cesium’s next-generation products. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in developing and analyzing thermal management systems for satellite electronics and airborne systems, along with a profound understanding of space and aerospace thermal environments.As a senior member of our cross-functional team, you will oversee thermal designs from the initial concept phase through requirements definition, detailed design, simulation/analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support of Cesium’s products. You will collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to devise highly optimized solutions.The successful candidate will also be responsible for presenting engineering design review materials to customers and upper management, as well as participating in proposal-writing initiatives. Therefore, exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Radiant Industries is on the lookout for an accomplished Senior Structural Engineer to spearhead the design and development of essential structures within our innovative Kaleidos project. In this pivotal role, you will tackle unique engineering challenges to create efficient and robust structures capable of sustaining fission reactions, even under extreme temperature conditions and stringent volumetric constraints.Your responsibilities will encompass conducting trade studies, selecting appropriate materials, performing comprehensive structural analyses, as well as overseeing assembly, integration, and testing processes. Your contributions will be instrumental in propelling the launch of the first new commercial reactor design in over half a century by the year 2026.

Join VardaSpace as a Senior Structures Engineer and be at the forefront of innovative aerospace solutions. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design and analysis of structural components for space vehicles, ensuring safety and performance in the demanding environment of space. You will collaborate with a passionate team of engineers and contribute to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology.

Join Radiant Industries as a Lead Test Engineer for Power Generation Systems, where you will spearhead the strategy and execution of testing for our innovative power generation systems, encompassing turbomachinery, heat exchangers, controls, and primary cooling systems. This position is perfect for a hands-on technical leader who takes pride in developing test infrastructures, managing complex hardware operations, and mentoring engineering talent while being actively engaged in daily testing activities.In this role, you will take charge of the testing development for our high-speed machinery and build our testing facilities from the ground up. These infrastructures will be pivotal for rapid design iterations, focusing on evaluating vibration, performance, thermal behavior, and system reliability, ultimately facilitating a smooth transition into production acceptance testing. You will collaborate closely with mechanical design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations teams to validate and ensure that turbomachinery designs meet production standards.

Senior Structures EngineerRadiant Industries is on the lookout for a dynamic and innovative Senior Structures Engineer to lead the design and development of essential structures within the Kaleidos project. In this role, you will tackle unique engineering challenges, crafting efficient and robust structures that endure extreme temperatures and satisfy volumetric constraints. Your expertise will play a crucial role in advancing the first new commercial reactor design in over 50 years, set to launch by 2026.Key Responsibilities:Lead the design of critical structures, including mass-efficient transportable shielding systems, container systems, and high-temperature graphite and metallic systems.Conduct thorough trade studies and develop innovative designs to meet program specifications.Perform detailed thermomechanical (static strength, durability/fatigue) and dynamic analyses (vibration, shock) to ensure structural integrity, utilizing both manual calculations and finite element analysis tools.Create and implement manufacturing and assembly instructions, along with comprehensive test plans.Manage a Bill of Materials (BOM) and collaborate with suppliers for component development.Oversee subassembly design, manufacturing, and testing schedules.Conduct risk analysis (FMEA) for subsystems.Gather requirements and provide constructive guidance to engineers across different functional areas through effective communication.

Radiant Industries is on the lookout for an experienced and passionate Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in sheet metal structures. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in designing and developing essential structures within our innovative Kaleidos project. Your expertise will address unique challenges while creating efficient and reliable structures capable of facilitating fission in extreme temperature environments and adhering to strict volumetric constraints.As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead trade studies, select materials, and conduct detailed structural analyses, including assembly, integration, and testing. Your contributions will significantly impact the development of the first new commercial reactor design in over 50 years, scheduled for completion by 2026.