Facilities Design Engineer – Fuel Fabrication
This role leads the technical review and coordination of HVAC and fire protection designs for advanced nuclear fuel-cycle facilities. As the owner’s engineer, you will ensure external design firms deliver systems that meet nuclear safety standards, support radiological confinement, and comply with applicable codes and quality assurance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the review of HVAC and fire protection designs for facilities involving hot cells, gloveboxes, UF₆ processing, and radiological laboratories
- Verify design deliverables—including drawings, calculations, and specifications—for technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment with safety basis documentation
- Ensure contractor adherence to NQA-1, configuration management, and design verification protocols
- Evaluate engineering approaches for pressure cascading, HEPA filtration, exhaust management, and classified fire suppression systems
- Provide clear, actionable feedback to external firms and ensure timely implementation of design revisions
- Coordinate across internal teams including safety, operations, procurement, and instrumentation to maintain integrated design integrity
- Participate in design reviews, constructability assessments, and readiness evaluations as the technical authority
- Maintain traceable documentation of design decisions, changes, and resolution of comments for audit readiness
- Track design progress, submittals, and revision control across multiple contractor packages
- Communicate effectively with engineering firms, project leads, and stakeholders to uphold schedule, scope, and quality objectives
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear, or related engineering discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in HVAC and/or fire protection design within nuclear, fuel-cycle, or highly regulated industrial environments
- Proven experience overseeing engineering work performed by external A/E firms
- Strong knowledge of radiological ventilation, HEPA filtration, glovebox exhaust systems, and hazard-classified fire protection
- Familiarity with NFPA, ASHRAE, IMC/IFC, DOE/NRC regulations, and NQA-1 quality standards
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines through all project phases—from concept through commissioning
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clear technical documentation
- Experience working with external consultants and manufacturers
Preferred:
- Background in advanced reactor systems such as microreactors, fast reactors, or small modular reactors (SMRs)
- Knowledge of NRC, DOE, or ASME regulatory frameworks
- Experience with nuclear QA standards, including NQA-1 or equivalent
- Exposure to vendor qualification, commercial-grade dedication, or nuclear procurement processes
- Prior role in design oversight or owner’s engineering for nuclear or process facilities
- Familiarity with DOE O 420.1C, safety basis development, fire hazard analyses, and nuclear interface requirements
- Participation in safety evaluations, licensing, or design validation workflows
- Basic understanding of nuclear fission and radiation effects on materials
Technical Expertise
- HVAC system design
- Fire protection and suppression systems
- Radiological confinement ventilation
- HEPA and off-gas filtration
- Pressure cascade design
- Glovebox and hot-cell exhaust systems
- Hazard-classified fire detection and alarm systems
- Applicable standards: NFPA 13, 20, 30, 72, 801, 805, 2001; ASHRAE; IMC/IFC
- Regulatory frameworks: NRC, DOE, NQA-1, DOE O 420.1C
Work Environment
This is a hybrid position. While remote work is supported, employees are required to travel to the Santa Clara, CA headquarters twice per quarter. Onboarding includes two weeks of in-person training at the site. The role may involve access to export-controlled information, limited to U.S. persons as defined by law. Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screening, with ongoing testing conducted per company policy.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $115,000 – $170,000
- Equity offering included
- Competitive 401(k) with matching
- Comprehensive health insurance and FSA options
- Flexible time off and adaptable work hours
Company Values
Our culture is built on collaboration, humility, ownership, and pathfinding. We solve complex challenges through diverse perspectives, shared accountability, and transparent communication. We prioritize mission over ego, take initiative to deliver results, and pioneer new approaches in the pursuit of clean, reliable energy.
